Objective To compare the results of orthostatic tolerance test (OTT) between helicopter pilots and fighter pilots in medical assessment for transitioning to high-performance aircraft.
Methods Totally 150 helicopter pilots and 150 fighter pilots who came to our hospital for medical assessment because of transitioning to high-performance aircraft from 2011 to 2015 were selected. There was no significant difference in age and flight time between the two groups. The OTT results of the two groups and of different age subgroups were compared. After lying for 20 minutes, the pulse and blood pressure were measured, and then the subject was transferred to the upright position within 3 s. The pulse, blood pressure and symptom response of the subject immediately, and at 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 20 min after standing were collected.
Results There was no positive orthostatic tolerance test result in both of the two groups. The pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups at each time points were similar, except the diastolic blood pressure at 15 min after standing (fighter pilots: 79.00±6.50 mmHg, helicopter pilots : 77.00±6.85 mmHg; P < 0.05). The pulse of helicopter pilots in the 31-35 years age group was higher than that in the 25-30 years age group at each time point after standing (all P < 0.05), and other indicators had no significant difference. Except the supine position and at 5 minutes after standing, the pulse of the fighter pilots in the 31-35 years age group was higher than that in the 25-30 years age group at other time points (all P < 0.05), and other indicators had no significant difference.
Conclusion The blood pressure in OTT is similar between the fighter pilot and the helicopter pilot. The pulse of 31-35 years age group is higher than that of the 25-30 years age group in both fighter pilot and helicopter pilot, suggesting that the different flight aircrafts has no effect on OTT, but aging has.
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