+Gz centrifugation and mood.

BACKGROUND

Physiological effects of +Gz centrifugation are well known. Psychological functioning combined with +Gz centrifugation also appears to be important, but has not yet been sufficiently studied. This study was designed to evaluate whether mood (energetic arousal, tense arousal, and hedonic tone) is influenced by a centrifuge run with +Gz stress.

METHOD

We examined subjects' mood four times: 2 h prior to the centrifuge run, 2 min before and after centrifugation, and again 30 min afterwards. Energetic arousal (EA), tense arousal (TA), and hedonic tone (HT) assessments were conducted by the self-reported UWIST Mood Adjective Check List (UMACL).

RESULTS

Centrifugation explained 31.6% of EA and 56.9% of TA variance. EA level increased 2 min before centrifugation and remained so until the last measurement. TA was high 2 h prior to the centrifuge run, rose sharply 2 min before centrifugation, and lowered considerably after cessation of the run. The HT level was stable throughout all measurements.

CONCLUSION

The centrifuge run with +Gz acceleration may evoke changes in arousal, but not in subjective enjoyment. Alterations in arousal levels triggered by centrifugation were positive, increasing energy and reducing tension.