Stability of a Posture in Pilots

Overview

The follow-up of an upright posture (posturography, stabilometry) reflects the status of a couple of sensory and motor systems ina complex way. The revival of the concern in posturography in aviation medicine was given by the training of spatial disorientationand its possible adverse physiological impact. 162 individuals from the samples of students of pilot schools, transport, helicopterand jet pilots were examined by stabilometry. The course, area and deflections of the body centre of gravity in anteroposterior andlateral directions were measured (with open and close eyes) with the computer posturograph STP-03 and the Romberg Way andArea were derived.Results showed that:1. The older the pilot the more anteroposterior deflections than lateral ones (open and close eyes).2. The more acrobatic plane the more anteroposterior than lateral deflections (close eyes).3. The older the pilot the more stable posture (close eyes).It is presumed that the more stable posture of pilots develops with more significant chronic vestibular stimulation connected withtheir occupation. The results of the study will be used for determining of physiological norms in preparation of the training ofspatial disorientation of military pilots. Stabilometry will thus contribute to the declination of adverse influences onto the health ofpilots and increase of flight safety.

Key words:
aviation medicine, flight safety, pilot, spatial disorientation, posture, posturography, equilibrium, stabilometry, vestibularstimulation, military training