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zz_z t1_j43q7ni wrote

Reply to comment by Vazmanian_Devil in How do giraffes breathe? by NimishApte

Don’t fighter pilots or astronauts do the same thing with their suits to resist passing out from g forces?

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Myownprivategleeclub t1_j43qpm1 wrote

Yes. They wear pneumatic over trousers which compress the legs in high g manoeuvres to keep the blood in the upper body and brain. Pilots are also trained to clench the core and hold their breath to keep pressure up.

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zz_z t1_j44059o wrote

What an incredible wealth of knowledge we all possess. I thought it was like tight stockings or something.

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Fuegodeth t1_j44fgfu wrote

Fun fact: The Blue Angels don't wear G-suits because they maneuver so closely and don't want the suits to impact their controls during displays.

From their FAQ: https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/

G-suits are designed with air bladders (pockets) that inflate and deflate to keep a pilot's blood from pooling in the pilots' legs while executing sharp, unpredicted combat maneuvers. Unlike combat flying, the Blue Angels demonstration pilots know the maneuvers they will fly prior to execution, so each pilot knows when one will be experiencing heavy gravitational forces. Anticipating the changes in gravitational forces allows the Blue Angels demonstration pilots to combat G-forces with muscle contractions. Additionally, G-suits would detrimentally impact flight safety.The Boeing F/A-18's control stick is mounted between the pilot's legs. The Blue Angels have a spring tensioned with 40 pounds of pressure installed on the control stick that gives the pilot a "false feel." This allows the pilot minimal room for un-commanded movement. The pilots rest their right arms on their thighs for support and stability while flying. Therefore, inflating and deflating air bladders in a G-suit would interrupt this support and stability, causing un-commanded aircraft movement.

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_CMDR_ t1_j44v6dq wrote

I use that core trick if I get lightheaded from standing up too fast and it works 100% of the time to make it stop quickly.

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napincoming321zzz t1_j45dx90 wrote

I've dealt with (annoying, but not dangerous) low blood pressure my whole life, and never once has a medical professional ever mentioned flexing my core as a way to combat occasional dizziness. I'm weirdly excited to try it out!

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glasser999 t1_j452swj wrote

Yes, and they also flex their legs and core to keep blood flow to the brain.

You can do the same thing if you ever feel like you're going to pass out.

When you start getting tunnel vision, squeeze that core. It'll either resolve it, or keep you conscious long enough to find a place to sit.

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