Acceleration and the Cardiovascular System: ALOC, GLOC, Stoll Curve and G-suits

The most dangerous loss of consciousness to the aviator (ALOC or GLOC?) 

GLOC is the most precarious loss of consciousness because it causes complete loss of the entire motor function to the extent that the aviator cannot align the flight control inputs with the incidental contacts. This is contrary to ALOC whereby despite either a complete or partial loss of vision, a proportion of the motor and cognitive function still exists (Whinnery & Forster, 2013). 

Discuss the methods and factors available to the aviator to improve his or her G tolerance 

The ejection seats are crucial factors that help pilots of high-performance aircraft in avoiding the effects of GLOC. The seats ensure that the crewmember maintains his/her upright position despite exposure to high-G effects. For instance, some seats tilt 30 degrees from their standard positions to provide one G improvement. Similarly, the assisted positive pressure breathing increase and reduce the aviators’ G tolerance and fatigue levels respectively (Whinnery & Forster, 2013). This is due to the increased chest pressure and arterial blood pressure upon the application of positive pressure to the G-force at a given amplitude. 

Importance of the Stoll curve as it applies to acceleration physiology 

The Stoll curve comprehensively depicts LOCINDTI whose data accurately predict rapid onset acceleration (Whinnery & Forster, 2013). This implies that the curve explains less extreme environments related to relaxed tolerance to given acceleration profiles. 

Function of the G-suit and the Gs of protection it provides to the aviator 

The G-suit aids in preventing blood from pooling down into the lower extremities of the aviator to curtail grunting, groaning, and clenching to specific limits. A new G-suit can provide two Gs of protection to the pilot although individual aviators possess their own levels of resistance of up to 10Gs (Whinnery & Forster, 2013). 

Compare and contrast the effects of positive and negative Gs on the cardiovascular system 

Positive G-forces usually exceed one G and exists during heaving acceleration and cornering in cars in combination to maneuvers of the fighter aviators. Note that the positive Gs lead to movement of body fluids away from the head. However, negative G-force acts in the opposite direction as the positive Gs (Whinnery & Forster, 2013). This implies that the body accelerates towards the earth faster than the gravitational forces. It compels the body fluids to move from the feet towards the head. 

Reference 

Whinnery, T. & Forster, E. M. (2013). The +Gz-induced loss of consciousness curve. Extreme physiology & medicine , 2(1), 19. doi:10.1186/2046-7648-2-19. Retrieved 31/10/2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710154/