[NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN THE EXPERIMENT WITH 105-DAY ISOLATION AS THE FIRST PHASE OF PROJECT MARS-500].

In a 105-day experiment simulating crew life in a space exploration vehicle, shifts in the nutritional status were assessed in 6 test subjects differing in the body mass index, basal metabolism, attitude to the diet, physical exercise and workload. Results of the investigation showed that because of the hard physical work the nutritional status of test subjects was described by more intensive basal metabolism, elevated metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and their increased mobilization from depots. Food ration, though it was sufficient to sustain health and fairly high performance, failed to meet fully individual taste preferences and energy needs for physical activities.

Long-term space flight simulation reveals infradian rhythmicity in human Na(+) balance.

The steady-state concept of Na(+) homeostasis, based on short-term investigations of responses to high salt intake, maintains that dietary Na(+) is rapidly eliminated into urine, thereby achieving constant total-body Na(+) and water content. We introduced the reverse experimental approach by fixing salt intake of men participating in space flight simulations at 12 g, 9 g, and 6 g/day for months and tested for the predicted constancy in urinary excretion and total-body Na(+) content. At constant salt intake, daily Na(+) excretion exhibited aldosterone-dependent, weekly (circaseptan) rhythms, resulting in periodic Na(+) storage.

[Role of space-frequency characteristics of vision organ in the human psychophysiological state and performance].

Light conditions and color scheme of closed environments should be favorable to human performance. Space station lighting system should ensure visual comfort during work and be appropriate for crew health and well-being. To be successful in solving these problems, it is important to have objective data about luminosity and chromaticity distribution in closed environments.

[Experience of an adaptation-assisting agent of animal origin during prolonged isolation and confinement].

The utility of pantohematogen, an adaptation-assisting agent of animal origin for mental performance and functioning of the body systems was assessed in volunteered subjects exposed to prolonged isolation and confinement. Pantohematogen was shown to be favorable for successful implementation of control operations tests without any side effects on the main body systems and, therefore, can be recommended as a way to improve mental performance and to treat asthenoneurotic disorders in extreme conditions.