Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Weightlessness Simulation”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,567 records · Page 87Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Potential benefits of maximal exercise just prior to return from weightlessness.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether performance of a single maximal bout of exercise during weightlessness within hours of return to earth would enhance recovery of aerobic fitness and physical work capacities under a 1G environment. Ten healthy men (36-51 yr) underwent maximal supine exercise followed by upright maximal exercise before and after a 10-d bedrest period in the 6 degrees headdown position. A graded maximal supine cycle ergometer test was performed before and at the end of bedrest to simulate exercise during weightlessness. Following 3 h of resumption of the upright posture from the supine exercise test, a second maximal exercise test was performed on a treadmill to measure work capacity under conditions of 1G. Compared to before bedrest, peak VO2 decreased (p less than 0.05) by 8.7% and peak HR increased (p less than 0.05) by 5.6% in the supine cycle test at the end of bedrest. However, there were no significant changes in peak VO2 and peak HR in the upright treadmill test following bedrest. These data, based on a simulation, suggest that one bout of maximal leg exercise prior to return from 10 d of weightlessness may be adequate to restore preflight aerobic fitness and physical work capacity.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Effects of restraint and cabin environment on skin temperature, sleep-wake, feeding and drinking circadian rhythms in Macaca mulatta during spacelab flight simulation.

Exposure to a weightless environment such as in spaceflight, leads to a number of physiological responses to assure the survival of an organism in this new environment. However, the real effect of microgravity itself has not been clearly established yet. Considering the environmental and operational characteristics of a spaceflight, and as it has been shown in previous flights, the use of animals, and more particularly the non-human primates, takes on importance in understanding the mechanisms and factors involved in the adaptation to changes in gravitational loading. The SLS-3 flight of the American shuttle, scheduled for launch in early 1996, will be the first flight of the Rhesus project, a joint program of C.N.E.S. and N.A.S.A. which will carry out experiments in various physiological disciplines using the Rhesus monkey as a human surrogate. This 16 day orbital flight will be the longest flight accomplished by the shuttle to date. A number of feasibility studies have already been conducted on Macaca mulatta in order to simulate flight conditions to obtain ground data and to test the technical characteristics of the Rhesus Research Facility which have been described elsewhere. Microgravity might be the main factor inducing the physiological changes observed during spaceflights. However, these responses could also be influenced by other factors related to the spaceflight environment such as the life support systems of the spacecraft. Thus, the main purpose of the present study was to determine the impact of specific restraint and cabin environment on the circadian rhythms of body temperature, feeding, drinking, and sleep-waking in order to separate them from the real impact of microgravity.

Activity Cycles↗
PubMed2002

Head down tilt combined with breathing assistance by the "IRON LUNG." A new simulation model for cardiovascular deconditioning, skin, and kidney function in weightlessness?

In 1951 Gauer, Henry and Sieker proposed that "central hyper-volemia" might produce a diuresis that serves to reduce blood volume, a postulated negative-feedback system for the control of blood volume. Recent surprising results from human spaceflight indicate that although a central hyper-volemia takes place in weightlessness, an increase in salt and urine excretion cannot be observed. We hypothesised that on earth the mediastinum is shaped by gravity because of the gravity dependent hydrostatic gradient in the blood filled cavities and that its unloading by weightlessness reduces the wall stretch in the atria, thus resulting in reduced sodium and urine excretion. Therefore we have applied the principle of the "Iron Lung" (lung pressure manipulator LPM) in combination with a simulation method of weightlessness, head down tilt bed rest (HDT), to test this hypothesis. We found that similar to weightlessness, not only urinary excretion, but also evaporative water loss was reduced and that diastolic blood pressure increased.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1970

An effect of weightlessness following exposure to vibration.

Vibration of germinating wheat seedlings at the levels experienced during the launch of the NASA Biosatellite II increases the frequency of developmental arrest in seedling organs. Severe vibrations lasted approximately 30 sec in two stages. Power spectral density was greatest at frequencies around 15-16 and 19-22 Hz on the entire vehicle. Vibration forces reaching the affected parts of individual seedlings could not be measured. One or more seedling organs may be expected to be absent in 11% of selected Earth-grown wheat plants. If subjected to simulated launch vibration between 12 and 27 hr after the start of germination, the number of abnormal plants rises to 21.6%. Lateral roots are most affected by vibration at this age. Seedlings which went into orbital weightlessness aboard Biosatellite II, or were grown for several days on a horizontal clinostat after vibration, showed only 5.3% abnormalities. Simulated weightlessness on the clinostat without prior vibration did not alter the number of abnormal plants. It is suggested that growth in weightlessness following exposure to vibration permits more extensive repair of injury produced by vibration than does growth in Earth's gravity.

Acceleration↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of pharmacological agents to prevent the motion sickness syndrome on the cardiovascular system in simulating the early period of adaptation to weightlessness].

The application of pharmacological agents, preventing the motion sickness syndrome in modelling the early stages of adaptation to weightlessness by means of 6-hour antiorthostatic influence (-15 degrees), does not exert a negative action on the human cardiovascular system. The given agents normalize partially cerebral circulation, eliminating changes induced by antiorthostatic influence.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enhancement of viral pathogenesis in mice maintained in an antiorthostatic suspension model: coordination with effects on interferon production.

Both rodents and men returning from spaceflight and the attendent microgravity or weightlessness conditions have exhibited alterations in immune responses and, in particular, interferon production. We have utilized a model for antiorthostatic (20 degrees head-down tilt). hypokinetic, hypodynamic suspension of mice that simulates some aspects of weightlessness. Female Swiss/Webster mice that are normally resistant to infection with the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus showed a marked increase in susceptibility to infection when suspended. This correlated with a drop in interferon production. Control, orthostatically suspended mice (no head-down tilt) showed no increase in susceptibility to the virus. These data suggest that maintenance of mice in the antiorthostatic suspension model for simulating some aspects of weightlessness yielded increased susceptibility to virus infection that was coincident with inhibited interferon production.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The effect of microgravity on the development of plant protoplasts flown on Biokosmos 9.

An experiment using plant protoplasts has been accepted for the IML-1 Space Shuttle mission scheduled for 1991. Preparatory experiments have been performed using both fast and slow rotating clinostats and in orbit to study the effect of simulated and real weightlessness on protoplast regeneration. Late access to the space vehicles before launch has required special attention since it is important to delay cell wall regeneration until the samples are in orbit. On a flight on Biokosmos 9 ("Kosmos-2044") in September 1989 some preliminary results were obtained. Compared to the ground control, the growth of both carrot and rapeseed protoplasts was decreased by 18% and 44% respectively, after 14 days in orbit. The results also indicated that there is less cell wall regeneration under micro-g conditions. Compared to the ground controls the production of cellulose in rapeseed and carrot flight samples was only 46% and 29% respectively. The production of hemicellulose in the flight samples was 63% and 67% respectively of that of the ground controls. In both cases all samples reached the stage of callus development. The peroxidase activity was also found to be lower in the flight samples than in the ground controls, and the number of different isoenzymes was decreased in the flight samples. In general, the regeneration processes were retarded in the flight samples with respect to the ground controls. From a simulation experiment for IML-1 performed in January 1990 at ESTEC, Holland, regenerated plants have been obtained. These results are discussed and compared to the results obtained on Biokosmos 9. Protoplast regeneration did not develop beyond the callus stage in either the flight or the ground control samples from the Biokosmos 9 experiment.

Brassica↗
PubMed2001

Renal and sympathoadrenal responses in space.

According to a classic hypothesis, weightlessness should promote the renal excretion rate of sodium and water and lead to a fluid- and electrolyte-depleted state. This hypothesis is based on experiments in which weightlessness has been simulated in humans by head-down bed rest and water immersion. However, after 5 to 6 days of space mission, the diuretic and natriuretic responses to an intravenous isotonic saline load were attenuated and plasma norepinephrine and renin concentrations increased compared with those of the acute supine position before flight. Renal fluid excretion after an oral water load was also attenuated in space. Similar decreases were not observed during head-down bed rest. Sympathetic activity is of major importance in regulating blood volume and renal function. Studies in space have indicated that, compared with that while in a supine position on Earth, sympathoadrenal activity is increased during space flights as measured using plasma concentration and urinary excretion of norepinephrine and epinephrine. The space-induced activation of antinatriuretic mechanisms and sympathoadrenal activity could have been caused by early in-flight reduction in total and central blood volume. The decreased plasma volume may be explained by such factors as redistribution of plasma from the lower to the upper body (thin legs and puffy face), reduced food intake, and decreased muscle activity. The decrease in plasma volume and the subsequent increase in sympathetic activity is due, at least in part, to the abrupt cessation of activity in large muscle groups during microgravity, which normally counteracts the effects of gravity in the upright posture. This would lead to accumulation of albumin and fluid in the interstitial space.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1975

Effects of a multi-hour immersion with intermittent exercise on urinary excretion and tilt table tolerance in athletes and nonathletes.

The circulatory and diuretic responses of athletes and non-athletes to 6-h water i-mersion with intermittent swimming exercise (series I) as well as to 8-h inactive immersions (series II) were studied. With simultaneous intermittent exercise, the normally arising diuresis during a water bath was strongly suppressed in athletes and even abolished in nonathletes. In subsequent tilt table tests, 3 of 11 (27.3%) athletes of series I and 3 of 4 (75%) of series II collapsed, whereas all nonathletes tolerated the vertical position without any subjective complaints. By use of the so-called "orthostatic index" (4) the later group, however, was also shown to yield a substantially better orthostatic stability in series I than in series II. The protective effect of intermittent physical activity for simulation of the weightless state can possibly be explained by assuming a less-reduced plasma volume via a diminished urinary excretion.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1995

Effect of spaceflight on oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activity in rat diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

There are limited data regarding changes in oxidative and antioxidant enzymes induced by simulated or actual weightlessness, and any additional information would provide insight into potential mechanisms involving other changes observed in muscles from animals previously flown in space. Thus, the NASA Biospecimen Sharing Program was an opportunity to collect valuable information. Oxidative and antioxidant enzyme levels, as well as lipid perioxidation, were measured in respiratory muscles from rats flown on board Space Shuttle mission STS-54. The results indicated that there was an increasing trend in citrate synthase activity in the flight diaphragm when compared to ground based controls, and there were no significant changes observed in the intercostal muscles for any of the parameters. However, lipid peroxidation was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the flight diaphragm. These results indicate that 6 day exposure to microgravity may have a different effect on oxidative and antioxidant activity in rat respiratory muscles when compared to data from previous 14 day hindlimb suspension studies.

Animals↗
PubMed1973

Some psychological and engineering aspects of the extravehicular activity of astronauts.

One of the main in-flight problems being fulfilled by astronauts is the preparation for and realization of egress into open space for the purpose of different kinds of extravehicular activity, such as, the performance of scientific experiments, repairing and dismantling operations etc. The astronaut's activity outside the space vehicle is the most difficult item of the space flight programme, which is complicated by a number of space factors affecting a man, viz. dynamic weightlessness, work in a space suit under conditions of excessive pressure, difficulties of space orientation etc. The peculiarities mentioned require special training of the cosmonaut. The physical training involves a series of exercises forming the body-control habits necessary for work in a state of weightlessness. In a new kind of training use is made of equipment simulating the state of weightlessness. From analysis of the available data and the results of my own investigations during ground training and the Soyuz 4 and 5 flights one can establish the following peculiarities of the astronaut's extravehicular activity: (1) Operator response lag in the planned algorithm; (ii) systematic appearance of some stereotype errors in the mounting and dismantling of the outer equipment and in scientific-technical experiments; (iii) a high degree of emotional strain and 30-35% decrease in in-flight working capacity of the astronaut compared with the ground training data; (iv) a positive influence of space adaptation on the cosmonaut and the efficiency of his work in open space; (v) the necessity for further engineering and psychological analysis of the astronaut's activity under conditions of the long space flight of the multi-purpose orbital station. One of the main reasons for the above peculiarities is the violation of the control-coordination functions of the astronaut in the course of the dynamical operations. The paper analyses the extravehicular activity of the astronaut and presents some recommendations for its more efficient realization. Proposals are given concerning the complex engineering, psychological and technical investigations to be made during in-flight egress.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1990

[Dry immersion in combined therapy of edema syndrome and its effects on hemodynamics].

Therapeutic 'dry' immersion (modified 'dry' immersion technique suggested earlier for simulation of the weightlessness state in cosmic research) was used in multiple-modality treatment of 15 patients with drug-resistant edematous syndrome of different origin. Therapeutic 'dry' immersion sessions lasting from 1.5 to 6 hrs potentiated the effects of diuretics and promoted compensation, thus improving central hemodynamics parameters.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1998

[Prevention of respiratory muscles deconditioning and deterioration of aerobic working capacity in prolonged weightlessness and hypokinesia].

According to the previous study [2], simulation of the physiological effects of weightlessness leads to deconditioning of the respiratory muscles which, in its turn, may be a factor impacting the aerobic working capacity. In the present work the experimental findings laid the basis for a physiological concept for medical/engineering requirements to countermeasures against deconditioning of the respiratory muscles, designing and laboratory and physiological testing of a prototype of training loading vest Elastik-R. The vest was shown to enhance speed and force qualities of the respiratory muscles in training athletes, to improve ventilation and gas-exchange functions of the lung, and to increase physical performance and aerobic capacity. Recommendations on utilization of the Elastik-R vest during space flight have been issued.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Microgravity simulation: physical and psychological workload evaluation tests in an underwater environment.

As weightlessness is not completely reproducible on Earth, usability evaluation of space systems is often simulated through tests in an aquatic environment. A Neutral Buoyancy Facility test programme was organized in a special pool to simulate Extra-Vehicular Activities on the Columbus module of the future International Space Station with the aim of assessing various aspects of crew interface design. This study was designed to evaluate workload using visibility, accessibility and operability tests. Diving workload was determined through basic physiological measurements, such as pulmonary ventilation and heart rate during underwater operations. As anxiety can influence physiological processes, and consequently also the workload evaluation determined through these parameters, we developed an evaluation methodology to investigate the anxiety level based on a specific questionnaire submitted to all subjects before and after the dives. Heart rate increased in underwater work to a value approximately 50% larger than the value obtained in the resting condition while sitting outside the pool. This increase in heart rate was accompanied by an increase in pulmonary ventilation of 200% larger than the value recorded in the rest condition while sitting outside the water. The extent of these increases was notable in all the test subjects, who varied in age and stature. Recorded values of workload, heart rate and pulmonary ventilation were evaluated on the basis of Christensen's (Arbeitsphysiol. 14 (1950) 251) and Wells' (J. Appl. Physiol. 10 (1957) 51) classifications. Through this analysis it was possible to determine that the workload, indicated by performance on our neutral buoyancy tests, corresponds to moderate physiological work. For test subjects, anxiety related to underwater performance was light. Among the causes of anxiety all the subjects indicated the lack of confidence with neutral buoyancy tests and a feeling of lack of safety, typical of aquatic environments. We can conclude that context did not produce considerable psychological effects, and consequently that the psychological load did not influence heart rate and pulmonary ventilation values that can therefore be directly related to task workload.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Sleep-wake cycles in rhesus monkeys during Spacelab flight simulations.

Neurophysiological data has been obtained in orbital flight from various non-human Primates. Aboard Russian satellites during both Bion and Biocosmos missions, impairments in duration and organization of the states of vigilance were observed in rhesus monkeys during flight: increase in nocturnal awakening, decrease of Rapid Eye Movements-sleep (REM-sleep). It was assumed that weightlessness played a role in these changes. The former "Rhesus Project", a joint program between CNES and NASA, was devoted to physiological studies using the rhesus monkey as a human model aboard Spacelab, during 14 to 16 day orbital flights. In the first stage of this project, we investigated the effect of experimental conditions as well as specific restraint and confinement on the circadian sleep-wake rhythm in a group of rhesus monkeys. Prior to flight, our aim was to determine quantitatively and qualitatively sleep-wake cycles. These control data would thus be compared with inflight data in order to assess the influence of weightlessness.

Activity Cycles↗
PubMed2001

Weightlessness as an accelerated model of nutritional disturbances.

Food intake and eating patterns, body functions and composition are significantly altered by short-duration space flight. Prolonged missions lasting weeks or months further aggravate these changes, and are responsible for acute or chronic physical impairments at return to ground conditions. Current projects of missions to Mars, resulting in 2 years of microgravity conditions, stress the critical need for the development of optimal nutritional programs and physical countermeasures to prevent body mass and function alterations. This review outlines ground models of microgravity simulation, summarizes the major effects of weightlessness on body composition, protein metabolism, hormonal pattern, and muscle function, and addresses contradictory findings related to the oxidative stress secondary to space flight. Potential countermeasures, such as nutrient intake and physical conditioning, as well as areas of interest for future research both in ground and space medicine, are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Continuous metabolic and cardiovascular measurements on a monkey subject during a simulated 6-day Spacelab mission.

In May 1977 the NASA Ames Research Center and NASA Johnson Space Center jointly conducted a test of the feasibility of performing various types of biological and medical experiments during future Spacelab flight missions. One of the experiments was designed to examine the effects of weightlessness on several basic parameters of metabolic and cardiovascular function in an adult nonhuman primate. The subject animal, a 10 kg male pig-tailed monkey (Macaca nemestrina), was prepared 3 months before the test with a surgically implanted NASA/Ames biotelemetry unit to provide continuous measurements of body temperature and selected cardiovascular parameters. Three days before the simulated "launch" the animal was inserted into a fiberglass pod system to provide continuous measurement of respiratory gas exchange. The pod system was installed in a Spacelab mock-up and all physiological data channels were recorded continuously for 2.6 days prior to "launch", for 6.3 days during "flight", and for 1.8 days after "landing". The experiment was tended entirely by the Spacelab flight crew during the "flight" period. Statistically significant diurnal variation was noted in oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production rates, body temperature and heart rate, but not in respiratory quotient or blood pressure. A transient increase of the parametric values was noted during the latter portion of the "flight" period, possibly occasioned by increased flight crew activity. The high quality of the continuous data obtained during the 10.7-day total experiment period demonstrates the feasibility of performing sound physiological experimentation on nonhuman primates in the Spacelab environment.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1983

Cardiovascular adaptation to weightlessness.

Exposure to actual and simulated O g causes a significant central or cephalad shift of intravascular and interstitial fluid that triggers a complex set of cardiovascular and systemic adaptations. These adaptations are, in turn, directly responsible for the cardiovascular dysfunction that is apparent after return to normal gravity. However, critical information on several important adaptive mechanisms is incomplete or lacking. An attempt will be made to resolve these problems during a future dedicated Life Sciences Space Shuttle flight. A series of cardiovascular experiments will utilize direct measurements of central venous pressures, cross-sectional echocardiography, and noninvasive measurements of systemic and peripheral blood flow at rest and during stress. Autonomic control mechanisms will be studies in detail.

Adaptation, Physiological↗