ASSESSMENT OF THE SYMMETRY OF LOWER LIMB PRESSURE FORCE ON THE RUDDER OF THE ANTI-G FORCE MANEUVER TRAINING STAND

Introduction: Modern combat aircraft increase the psychophysiological demands placed on pilots [14]. This necessitates continuous improvement of methods for assessing fitness for flight duty, supported by specialized flight simulators. One such simulator, developed with the participation of the Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, is the stationary flight simulator named SymuLBNP. In the presented study, a criterion of 10% threshold was proposed for evaluating the symmetry of lower limb pressure force on the rudder pedals of the diagnostic and training stand for anti-G maneuver training, which may be applied in future research using the SymuLBNP simulator. The aim of the study was to evaluate the symmetry of lower limb pressure force on the rudder pedals of the diagnostic and training stand for anti-G maneuver training, recorded during scheduled pilot training in aviation medicine, as a factor potentially influencing the results of measuring lower limb pressure force on the rudder pedals of the SymuLBNP simulator. Methods: The study utilized pressure force measurement data on the rudder pedals of the diagnostic and training stand, recorded during routine pilot training in aviation medicine. The statistical analysis was conducted on the measurement results of a group of 258 men aged 18 to 25 years. Differences between the pressure force exerted by the left lower limb and the right lower limb were examined. Results: The analysis of the lower limb pressure force measurements on the pedals of the diagnostic and training stand revealed a statistically significant (alpha = 0.05) asymmetry in the pressure force applied to the rudder pedals by the lower limbs. Based on the analysis of additional parameters describing the obtained results, a criterion was adopted stating that if the value of the symmetry index does not exceed 10%, it can be assumed that the pressure forces exerted by the pilot on the rudder pedals with the left and right lower limbs are symmetrical and will not significantly affect the assessment of the muscular component of the anti-G maneuver performed on the SymuLBNP simulator.