[Selection of vestibular system function in Chinese astronauts].

Objective: To examine and evaluate the vestibular function of Chinese astronaut candidates in order to select the astronauts with good vestibular function.

Method: Fifty-nine male candidates, the fighter plane pilots, participated in the Caloric tests, and 38 pilots among all the candidates experienced the parallel swing and Coriolis acceleration stimuli in tests. The parameters, such as vestibule-autonomic nervous reflex symptoms, electrogastrography (EGG), electronystagmography (ENG), ECG, blood pressure, postural equilibrium ability were employed to evaluate the vestibular function.

Result: Caloric tests indicated that there were function symmetry on both sides of semicircular canals, as well as normality of visual-vestibular and vestibulo-ocular reflexes in all the candidates. The parallel swing and Coriolis acceleration stimulus demonstrated that there were differences of vestibular functions in 38 pilots. Incidence of I category (stability type) of vestibular function exceeded 52.6%, and II category (relatively stable type) approached 42.1% as well III category (relatively susceptible type) was reported to be 5.3%.

Conclusion: Vestibular function of astronaut candidates could be evaluated comprehensively and objectively in the present tests. The Chinese astronauts can be chosen from the candidates with stable type or relatively stable type up to standard vestibular function.