Results of medical investigations carried out on board the Salyut orbital stations.
The purpose of the medical investigations carried out in flights of the Soviet orbital station Salyut were: to further studies and clarification of the phenomenology and mechanisms of changes in the main functions of the human body during prolonged weightlessness; to accumulate additional data on human responses at an early stage of adaptation to weightlessness; to assess the effectiveness of countermeasures against adverse effects of weightlessness during and after flight. The orbital station was equipped with a set of countermeasuring devices: a trainer for physical exercises (a treadmill), gravity simulation suit for long wear, bicycle ergometer, anti-G suit to be worn immediately post-flight, drugs, etc. The system of medical control included daily recordings of electrocardiography and respiration and regular physical examinations using provocative tests (physical exercises of a known force, lower-body negative pressure). Specific biomedical investigations were performed before, during and after flight. As in previous flights, the atmosphere in the habitable modules was similar to that on the earth. Food supply met the requirements for basic nutrients and satisfied individual preferences of the crew members. In addition to the time required to fulfil the flight programme, the work-rest schedule allowed the cosmonauts 8 hours sleep, four meals, 2.5 hours physical training and personal time. The biomedical investigations carried out during and after flight furnished information towards a better understanding of human responses to the effects of space flight factors and the mechanisms underlying their development.