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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Mask-on hypoxia training for tactical jet aviators: evaluation of an alternate instructional paradigm.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxia familiarization instruction has been an integral part of military aviation training for more than 60 yr. Traditionally, aircrew learn hypoxia recognition while being exposed to hypobaric conditions in a low-pressure chamber (LPC). A training device has been developed that induces hypoxia using mixed gas delivered through an aviator's oxygen mask. The reduced oxygen breathing device (ROBD) simulates the diminished oxygen present at altitude by mixing breathing air and nitrogen under normobaric conditions. The purpose of this paper is to describe an alternate hypoxia training paradigm that combines the ROBD with tactical flight simulators and to present results from student surveys. METHODS: Dynamic hypoxia instruction was provided inside F/A-18 tactical flight simulators using a second generation ROBD (ROBD-2). There were 121 naval aviators who were individually exposed to a simulated altitude of 7620 m (25,000 ft) while performing complex flight duties. Subsequent to ROBD training, all students completed a 19-question, anonymous survey that asked them to rate the quality of the instruction. RESULTS: Of the 121 students trained with the ROBD-2 in combination with a flight simulator, 114 (94.2%) were able to recognize their hypoxia symptoms and recover the aircraft, 117 (96.7%) rated ROBD training as more realistic, and 110 (90.9%) as more effective than traditional LPC training. DISCUSSION: Student feedback from this instructional evaluation indicates that using an ROBD in combination with actual flight duties is a safe, effective, and preferred means of training experienced tactical jet aviators to recognize and recover from hypoxia.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1991

A comparison of flight and non-flight sick call visits to a U.S. Army aviation medicine clinic.

In a U.S. Army aviation medicine program, flight surgeons provide primary clinical care for the units they support. Routine outpatient care (sick call) is performed daily on a walk-in basis. This study describes the diagnoses associated with flight and non-flight personnel reporting to sick call in an Army aviation medicine clinic. Data were collected over a 1-year period at an Aviation Troop Medical Clinic (TMC) supporting an aviation brigade consisting of 530 aircrew and 1,220 support personnel. A total of 5,793 sick call visits were made, 73% of which were initial visits, the remainder being second or subsequent visits. Aircrew evaluations accounted for 29% of the total. Major reasons for visits were illness (56%), injury (34%), and supplemental care (10%). However, substantial differences were noted between flight and non-flight patients. Overall, non-aircrew visits accounted for the bulk of the flight surgeons' clinical workload during sick call.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery in aviators with recurrent sinus barotrauma.

Recurrent sinus barotrauma in an aviator is difficult to treat successfully. Exacerbations frequently result in marked aviator discomfort, cycles of temporary restriction from aviation duties, or even permanent disqualification for flying duties. Medical management and standard sinus operations are often ineffective, seldom curative, and have a disappointing record in returning the aviator to flying duties. Detailed computerized tomographic scanning of the paranasal sinuses coupled with the functional endoscopic sinus surgery approach directs treatment at the causative pathology. Sinus ventilation is improved while making possible a return to active flight status without recurrence of sinus barotrauma. Initial experience with the functional endoscopic sinus surgery technique in such a patient population is reported. A discussion of recurrent sinus barotrauma, paranasal sinus anatomy, and the theory of endoscopic surgical management for sinus disease is included.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Measuring nasal function in aviators.

The importance of nasal function in the overall health of man is well documented. The physiologic function of the nose is especially important in the harsh environment of military aviation. Present standards for evaluating nasal function in aviators are based primarily on subjective complaints and limited physical examinations. Rhinomanometry has been used for approximately 100 years for measuring nasal function. Otorhinolaryngologists have used modern rhinomanometric methods for the past 25 years. Rhinomanometry allows the measurement of airflow and pressure in the normal respiratory cycle through the nose. Present methods involve using a simple flow measuring device coupled with a pressure device to measure the pressure required to drive a given amount of air through the nose. Under current development are machines that will automatically measure the work required in movement of a quantity of air across the nose and allow storage of this data into a data management program so that standards can be developed and specific patients followed. It is proposed that rhinomanometry be adopted as an objective measurement of nasal function for use in the physical qualification of aviators. Its use in all people involved with aviation during routine flight physicals is also recommended.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1988

Clinical application of tympanometry in aviators.

Tympanometry is a new procedure in determining the status of the middle ear and can be helpful in assessing the function of the eustachian tube. Of 274 male aviators examined, 174 were normal, 40 cases had acute aerotitis media, and 60 cases had chronic aerotitis media. Impedance audiometry and pure tone audiometry were carried out by means of an electroacoustic impedance bridge and audiometer, respectively. Altitude chamber test was also performed. This study presents the results of tympanometry and inflation-deflation test in aviators. The normal average static compliance is 0.75 cc. Most normal aviators and patients with chronic aerotitis media in remission show a type A tympanogram, whereas type B and type C tympanograms are characteristic of acute aerotitis media. It is of interest that patients with chronic aerotitis media do not response normally to the inflation-deflation tympanometric tests. Tympanometry has been proved to be a very useful adjunct in the evaluation of the aerotitis media in aviators.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗
PubMed1983

Locus of control, self-serving biases, and attitudes towards safety in general aviation pilots.

Of the three related survey studies that were conducted, two are summarized and one, which characterizes all three, is reported in detail. The studies attempted to determine how aviators compared with the general population on the personality dimension--locus of control (internal vs. external) and how this was related to aviators' attendance at FAA Safety Clinics. In addition, aviators were surveyed regarding their attitudes towards safety, their flying skill, and the likelihood that they would have an accident during the remainder of their careers. Results showed aviators to be significantly more internal in locus of control than the general U.S. population and to have strong self-serving biases regarding their skill and safety levels. Pilots who attended FAA Safety Clinics tended to have a more internal locus of control than those who did not.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Space flight and the development of aviation medicine].

The paper discusses certain aspects of interaction between aviation and space medicine, contribution of aviation medicine into the development of space biology and medicine, and the role of cosmonautics in current achievements of aviation medicine. The paper describes advances in studies of space flight effects, development of life support and flight safety systems, medical and psychological support of the flight personnel, implementation of new methods and techniques, electronics, computers and automatics. Particular importance is attached to the rapid development of ergonomic approaches to the design and application of new technology, study of psychophysiology and psychology of human efficient activity in the system "man--flying vehicle--environment", i. e. psychophysiological ergonomics. Certain methodological and organizational aspects of the development of aviation and space medicine are briefly described.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1981

Long-term follow-up of lung volume measurements in initially healthy young aviators.

Lung volume measurements on a large number of initially healthy young military aviators (the U.S. Navy's "1000 Aviator" cohort) were recorded periodically in follow-up from 1940-69. Vital capacities were measured spirometrically and total lung capacities were measured planimetrically from chest roentgenograms. Residual volumes were calculated by subtracting the vital capacity from the total lung capacity in each subject. Additional variables available for analysis were cigarette smoking histories, family histories, aviation career patterns, pulmonary symptoms, cardiac disease diagnoses, and anthropometric measurements. Multiple linear regression techniques were used on these variables to construct prediction equations for each lung volume in 1969. From these longitudinal analyses, cigarette smoking and pulmonary symptoms were found to be associated with an "obstructive lung volume pattern in 1969, while coronary artery disease and weight gain were found to be associated with a "restrictive" lung volume pattern in 1969. A career in military aviation had no significant association with lung volumes.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Traumatic vertebral artery occlusion in an aviator: case report and update on diagnostic technologies.

Traumatic vertebral artery injuries are relatively rare. Until recently, insufficient neurodiagnostic technology and a lack of normative data for the population of USAF aviators prevented recommending flying waivers following such vascular injuries. We report the case of an aviator who experienced a traumatic right vertebral artery occlusion with distal embolization. Timely access to a state-of-the-art neurodiagnostic evaluation, which included time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and standard contrast angiography, provided anatomic imaging at the time of injury and during the recuperative period. Sophisticated neurologic testing protocols at the Armstrong Laboratory's Aeromedical Clinical Sciences Division, Brooks Air Force Base, TX, assessed in-depth this individual's functional status. Consult Service evaluators then compared his performance data with current data in the Head Injury Study in Aviators (HISA) data base. MRA, in comparison with standard contrast angiography, demonstrated anatomic stability of his vascular and neurologic lesions. He demonstrated a functional capacity consistent with normal neurologic functioning in aviators which permitted recommending an occupational (flying) waiver. This case exemplified application of sophisticated ACS neurologic testing protocols to aeromedical evaluations and the use of MRA technology as a vascular screening tool during medical followup.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Comparison of bifocal and progressive addition lenses on aviator target detection performance.

The objective of this project was to determine if the type of presbyopic correction worn by aviators, conventional bifocal versus progressive addition lenses (PAL's), differentially affects aviator visual search performance. Experienced aviators, most with tactical fighter aircraft experience, searched for high-contrast targets under simulated dawn/dust (mesopic) lighting conditions (approximately 3.0 cd/m2) while wearing either a standard bifocal (ST-25) or PAL spectacle correction. Latency of locating high-contrast targets under these viewing conditions was differentially affected by the type of presbyopic correction used. Specifically, compared to a standard bifocal (ST-25), a PAL correction (Varilux Infinity) significantly lowered the time needed to locate static targets at a cockpit instrument viewing distance (83 cm). Accuracy of target location responses was not affected by the type of correction used. In addition, 7 months post-experiment, 7 of the 12 participants (58%) indicated that they used their PAL correction exclusively when flying the T-39 Sabre Liner. Three subjects (25%) used their PAL correction intermittently (primarily at night) when flying and two subjects preferred not to use the PAL's. These results suggest that relative to bifocals, speed of responding to static targets at intermediate viewing distances may be improved by wearing PAL's, and that subjects were able to adapt to PAL lenses quickly in a laboratory setting, using them later in a functional aviation environment.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Thoracoscopic management of spontaneous pneumothorax allows prompt return to aviation duties.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax, a disease of young adults, is occasionally encountered in aviation personnel. Surgical intervention is often recommended after the first episode for those patients involved in aviation or diving duties due to the increased risk of recurrence secondary to barotrauma. Thoracoscopic surgery can be used effectively to resect the causative blebs or bullae and to perform a mechanical pleurodeisis. When compared to the traditional open technique, post-operative recovery time is less with this approach and allows more rapid return to aviation duties. Thoracoscopic surgery should be considered in all cases of spontaneous pneumothorax encountered in aviators.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Retinal vein occlusions: case reviews of USAF aviators.

Retinal vein occlusions are primarily a disease of the elderly, frequently with permanent visual abnormalities. However, both branch and central retinal vein occlusions occur rarely in young individuals. Reported here are a series of retinal vein occlusions in USAF aviators. Seven cases were identified from records of the USAF Armstrong Laboratory Aeromedical Consultation Service from 1976-91. Four cases of central retinal vein occlusions and three cases of branch occlusions are summarized. Initial visual acuity ranged from 20/15 to 20/400. All seven aviators recovered 20/15 vision and returned to flying status. Hyperlipidemia was found in four of the seven aviators, and hypertension was diagnosed in two aviators. Included is a discussion of current concepts in the natural history, associated systemic conditions, treatment options, and aeromedical implications of retinal vein occlusions.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Assessing aviators for personality pathology with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI).

Psychiatrists independently evaluated 82 aviators referred to an aeromedical consultation service who had been administered the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). The MCMI personality scales of those aviators psychiatrically deemed to be free from personality pathology were compared to the scales of those aviators psychiatrically assessed to have maladaptive personalities. The MCMI personality scales reached statistical significance (p < 0.005) for identifying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2) Cluster C (dependent or avoidant or both) maladaptive personality traits, but did not reach statistical significance for Cluster B (histrionic or narcissistic or both) traits. Military aviators are a highly selected group who have mastered numerous obstacles and who continually prove their adaptability. The prevalence of personality pathology is likely not as great in this population as would be suggested by the MCMI. An elevation of a Cluster C scale, however, warrants a high index of suspicion.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Spontaneous resolution of retained renal calculi in USAF aviators.

USAF aviators may be granted medical waivers for continued flying duties when diagnosed as having retained renal calculi in parenchymal locations or in portions of the collecting system from which spontaneous passage is unlikely. The USAF Aircrew Medical Waiver File was reviewed in order to determine the proportion of USAF aviators with waivers for retained renal calculi whose calculi subsequently resolved. Of the 60 currently active aviators granted waivers between January 1976 and December 1990, 7 have had their retained calculi resolve following surgical intervention, and 13 (21.7%), 95% CI [11.2%, 32.1%], had "spontaneous" resolution of their retained calculi. Using the Armstrong Laboratory's Aeromedical Consultation Service clinical database, it was possible to determine how the diagnoses of retained stones were established and/or disestablished in 15 of the 60 aviators. Theories on stone formation and resolution, tools employed in diagnosis, and implications of these study findings on flight duties are discussed.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1996

[Current aspects of the noise problem in aviation medicine].

The authors discuss the problem of improvement the noise factor prevention in aviation medicine. The analysis of the real acoustic load on aviation engineer specialists, performing maintenance of the modern military aircraft have been given. The authors show the importance of the approach to the aviation noise as an ecological significant factor, that means taking into account the acoustic load during work time as well as during rest-sleep periods. The authors suggested the advanced complex of the preventive measures for the purpose of optimization of the noise exposure on the aviation specialists.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1997

An aviator with an unusual gait: a rare disease teaches some everyday lessons.

Muscular diseases including the dystrophies and myopathies are often incompatible with a variety of occupations including aviation and military duty. Many of these diseases present early in life, are readily diagnosable, and are therefore rare in the aviation community because of pre-screening and selection. Some forms, however, may not present until adulthood during an established aviation career. Furthermore, although initial presentations may be subtle and insidious, the potential occupational and aeromedical ramifications of these diseases can be profound. The following report describes the case of a subjectively asymptomatic career military aviation officer who presented with an unusual gait, and was subsequently determined to have one of the late-presenting muscle disease variants: Anterior compartment Distal Myopathy. The patient's presentation and progression, diagnostic evaluation, prognosis, aeromedical risk and disposition, and issues of occupational and aeromedical significance are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Number of chronic conditions and professional longevity of aviators.

METHODS: The number of chronic medical conditions (NCMC) experienced by an individual may be a measure of health and predictor of the disqualification of aviators. Subjects were 727 medically disqualified and 807 current pilots and navigators in the Russian Air Forces. All chronic conditions reported in medical files were extracted. RESULTS: Disqualification was earlier for subjects who had diagnoses of chronic conditions at age 29 (chi 2 = 82.24, p < 0.0001). Disqualification was proportionate to the NCMC at age 32 (chi 2 = 98.32, p < 0.0001) and at 37 (chi 2 = 105.41, p < 0.0001). For 37-yr-old aviators age at disqualification was influenced more by the NCMC than by military rank. DISCUSSION: The NCMC influenced subsequent disqualification for many years after health assessment. This influence was significant and independent from the aviator's speciality, final military rank, position, age at entering flying school, or town or country of origin. CONCLUSION: NCMC is a good measure of health and predictor of disqualification of aviators.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

An evaluation of the British Army spatial disorientation sortie in U.S. Army aviation.

BACKGROUND: Following didactic instruction, most aircrew are able to experience some of the disorienting illusions and limitations of the orientation senses in a variety of ground-based devices. In order to reinforce instruction in spatial disorientation (SD) within the environment in which they operate, British Army Air Corps helicopter pilots also receive an airborne demonstration of the limitations of their orientation senses prior to rotary-wing instrument flight training. The objective of this assessment was to determine whether the SD demonstration sortie would be an effective adjunct in training aircrew in SD in the U.S. Army. METHODS: There were 45 aviators and training personnel who experienced the sortie and gave their opinion in questionnaires. RESULTS: The following conclusions were made: the maneuvers performed in the SD demonstration sortie, and the sortie overall, were extremely effective at demonstrating the limitations of the orientation senses; the SD sortie attracted a significantly higher rating in its effectiveness to train aviators in SD than all the currently available methods; the introduction of the sortie into the initial flight training syllabus would be a distinct enhancement to the SD training of aviators and associated personnel; and the introduction of the sortie into refresher training in field units would also be an advantage. CONCLUSION: Other services are encouraged to consider this enhancement to the SD training of aviators.

Aerospace Medicine↗