Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2001 Sep;11(3):160-164.

The Relationship Between Time Useful Consciousness and Various Physiological Factors in ROKAF Pilots

• Kim C
• Ahn SC
• Lee MG
• Kim DW

Abstract

Hypoxia is a serious aviation problem and will be a source of dangerous aerospace accidents. Hypoxia tolerance has been evaluated by the time of useful consciousness (TUC), subjective symptoms, hypoxic ventilatory responses (HVR), and cardiovascular changes. It is not clear which physiological factors relate to the former parameters and only few studies are occurred in Korea. From 15 May 1998 through 17 September 1999, 929 ROKAF pilots are checked CBC, blood chemistry, health-related physical fitness tests, pulmonary function tests, life-style, and we analyzed the variables showing significant correlation with TUC. Age, total flying time, grade, and smoking duration had negative correlation with TUC. BMI, FVC, TV, and flexibility had positive correlation. But the reasons why fighter pilots showed significantly shorter TUC than transporter pilots are needed more following study. Also further studies must be made on the intervention study for hypoxia tolerance promotion of ROKAF pilots

MeSH Terms

Anoxia
Aviation
Chemistry
Consciousness*
Diptera
Korea
Physical Fitness
Pliability
Respiratory Function Tests
Smoke
Smoking
Smoke