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Publication AbstractsDynamic Strength Capabilities of Small-Stature Females to Perform High-Performance Flight TasksBarry S. Shender, Ph.D., and Peggy L. Heffner, M.S.Aviat Space Environ Med 2001; 72:89-99 AbstractBackground: Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division investigated the abilities of small-stature females (<120 lb.) to fly under G-stress using the Dynamic Flight Simulator (DFS) and its tactical fight/attack cockpit, displays and controls. The objective was to determine if these individuals possess sufficient upper-body muscular endurance to perform tasks required during fighter-pilot training, aerial combat maneuvers, and failure modes. Methods: Five female subjects (four small-stature and one medium) participated. DFS tasks featured bombing runs, surface-to-air missile (SAM) avoidance, and single engine failure. Muscular exertion and fatigue (arm, shoulder, neck) were assessed using electromyography. Results: During the most physically taxing simulation (SAM avoidance), flight performance did not significantly degrade over time. No statistically significant increase in muscular fatigue was found during the bombing simulation, though there was some evidence of degraded fine muscle control. Evidence of flexor and extensor muscular fatigue was associated with the single-engine-failure simulation. Conclusions: Within the scope of these tests, small-stature individuals demonstrated the strength and endurance to safely fly physically strenuous missions. However, a larger subject sample is necessary to increase the statistical power of the results.Keywords: women, dynamic strength, high-performance flight, G-stress, EMG, small-stature. Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 72, Number 2 of the ASME journal.
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