Quantitative Methods for Determining U.S. Air Force Crew Cushion Comfort

The detrimental effects of prolonged sitting during long-duration flights include deep vein thrombosis, pressure sores, and decreased awareness and performance. However, the cushion is often the only component of the ejection seat system that can be modified to mitigate these effects. This study investigated the long-duration effects of sitting in four ejection seat cushions over eight hours. Subjective comfort survey data and cognitive performance data were gathered along with comparative objective data, including seated pressures, muscular fatigue levels, and lower extremity oxygen saturation.

Peak seated pressures ranged from 1.22–3.22 psi. Oxygen saturation in the lower extremities decreased over the eight hours. Cognitive performance increased over time regardless of cushion with the exception of the dynamic cushion, which induced a decrease in performance for females. Muscular fatigue increased throughout the eight hours regardless of cushion, with the exception of the dynamic cushion which promoted muscular recovery. Subjective comfort levels declined over the eight hours. Subjective measures correlated with objective parameters for the static cushions. Tradeoffs in performance and fatigue mitigation were apparent in the dynamic cushion which also highlighted differences between genders. These results will be used to develop cushion design guidelines, both to prevent deep vein thrombosis and to promote comfort for long-duration use.