FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-79/8

Title and Subtitle: A lower body negative pressure box for +Gz simulation in the upright seated position

Report Date: February 1979

Authors: Lategola MT, Trent CC

Abstract: The cost of purchasing and operating a human centrifuge is substantial. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) is considered an acceptable experimental substitute for the +Gz stress of the centrifuge. Since civil aviation pilots are usually subjected to +Gz stress in an upright seated position, an upright seated version of the supine LBNP box was developed. In this version, a negative pressure of -40 mm Hg is considered the equivalent of a +2 Gz stress.

This box has successfully withstood a test pressure of -120 mm Hg. Pedal ergometry within the box is easily accomplished. The box was anthropometrically engineered to accommodate a human height range of 160-195 cm. Locating the box within an altitude chamber allows the application of LBNP at any level of chamber altitude. The total cost of fabrication is approximately $500.

Key Words: Lower body negative pressure. LBNP box, +Gz simulation, +Gz tolerance, Civil aviation pilots

No. of Pages: 7