Effects of strength training on G tolerance.

The G tolerance of pilots flying modern, high-performance fighter aircraft is crucial. Therefore, methods to increase G tolerance are of vital importance. In this study, G tolerance was studied in a human centrifuge using simulated aerial combat maneuvers (ACM)--consisting of 15-s periods of 4.5 and 7 G until exhaustion--before and after 11 weeks of muscle strength training. The ACM-time in 11 fighter pilots was increased after this training by 39%. Gains were observed in knee extensor muscle strength during slow contractions by 17% and in anaerobic power by 14%. Aerobic performance and various muscle histochemical indices, as assessed from muscle biopsy samples obtained from m. vastus lateralis, were unchanged. Neuromuscular adaptation seems to be responsible for the increased muscle strength, as well as for the improved performance of the M-1 straining maneuver. This might explain the enhanced G tolerance.