ANALYSIS OF ECG. MONITORING DURING CENTRIFUGE TRAINING IN PILOTS, ROKAF (Dysrhythmia and G-LOC)

Chung, Ki Young

Abstract

The ROKAF(Republic of Korea Air Force ) has been conducting high G-training with new centrifuge training equipment at Aeromedical Research and Training Center(AMRTC) to enhance G-tolerance since July 1995. All trainees routinely have received ECG monitoring during High G training, both for safety and medical evaluation. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of cardiac dysrhythmia among the fighter pilots of ROKAF and other countries and to investigate the relationship between G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) and the presence of dysrhythmia during High-G training. The electrocardiographic responses of 417 fighter pilots exposed to the standard centrifuge high-G training profile were analysed. Dysrhythmias were observed in 204(42.7%) of the sessions, Ventricular ectopy occurred In 143(29.9% ) and supraventricular ectopy showed in 56(11.7%) of the sessions. G-induced loss of consciousness(G-LOC) occurred in 15%(62 pilots) of the trainees. Dysrhythmias associated with G-LOC were recorded In 23(37%), however, aeromedically serious arrhythmias were not observed. 41%(25/61) of dysrhythmias appeared in ROR(Rapid Onset Rate), whereas 27.9%(17/61) of them in GOR (Gradual Onset Rate). Although riding the centrifuge is a stressful experience in aircrews, the presence of the serious arrhythmias could potentially result in sudden incapacitation during flight. Therefore, ECG monitoring of aircrews during centrifuge training is hlghly recommended for their safety as well as aeromedical policy.