The effect of simulated weightlessness on hypobaric decompression sickness.

Aviat Space Environ Med

Air Force Research Laboratory, Biodynamics and Protection Division, Brooks Air Force Base, TX 78235-5104, USA.

Published: August 2002

Background: A discrepancy exists between the incidence of ground-based decompression sickness (DCS) during simulated extravehicular activity (EVA) at hypobaric space suit pressure (20-40%) and crewmember reports during actual EVA (zero reports). This could be due to the effect of gravity during ground-based DCS studies.

Hypothesis: At EVA suit pressures of 29.6 kPa (4.3 psia), there is no difference in the incidence of hypobaric DCS between a control group and group exposed to simulated weightlessness (supine body position).

Methods: Male subjects were exposed to a hypobaric pressure of 29.6 kPa (4.3 psi) for up to 4 h. The control group (n = 26) pre-oxygenated for 60 min (first 10 min exercising) before hypobaric exposure and walking around in the altitude chamber. The test group (n = 39) remained supine for a 3 h prior to and during the 60-min pre-oxygenation (also including exercise) and at hypobaric pressure. DCS symptoms and venous gas emboli (VGE) at hypobaric pressure were registered.

Results: DCS occurred in 42% in the control and in 44% in simulated weightlessness group (n.s.). The mean time for DCS to develop was 112 min (SD +/- 61) and 123 min (+/- 67), respectively. VGE occurred in 81% of the control group subjects and in 51% of the simulated weightlessness subjects (p = 0.02), while severe VGE occurred in 58% and 33%, respectively (p = 0.08). VGE started after 113 min (+/- 43) in the control and after 76 min (+/- 64) in the simulated weightlessness group.

Conclusions: No difference in incidence of DCS was shown between control and simulated weightlessness conditions. VGE occurred more frequently during the control condition with bubble-releasing arm and leg movements.

Download full-text PDF

Source

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

simulated weightlessness
24
min +/-
16
control group
12
hypobaric pressure
12
vge occurred
12
decompression sickness
8
296 kpa
8
difference incidence
8
dcs control
8
simulated
7

Similar Publications

Expression of MMP1, MMP3, and TIMP1 in intervertebral discs under simulated overload and microgravity conditions.

J Orthop Surg Res

January 2025

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University of China, Gongti South Rd, No. 8, Beijing, 100020, China.

Objective: This study aims to investigate changes in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) levels in the intervertebral discs of New Zealand white rabbits under simulated overload and microgravity conditions, focusing on the expression of MMP1, MMP3, and TIMP1. The findings aim to provide a theoretical foundation for preventing and delaying lumbar disc degeneration in these environments.

Methods: Overload was simulated using an animal centrifuge, and microgravity was mimicked through tail suspension.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Single-cell RNA sequencing of the carotid artery and femoral artery of rats exposed to hindlimb unloading.

Cell Mol Life Sci

January 2025

Department of Aerospace Medical Training, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.

Background: Prolonged spaceflight is known to cause vascular deconditioning and remodeling. Tail suspension, a widely used spaceflight analog, is reported to result in vascular remodeling of rats. However, little is known about the cellular atlas of the heterogeneous cells of CA and FA from hindlimb-unloaded rats.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Purpose: Of the study was to assess oral microbiocenosis changes in participants of microgravity modeling in a control group and using prophylaxis in the form of a probiotic supplement with 1.0·10 CFU of strain in one lozenge and a dairy product containing not less than 1·10 CFU of s strain in one gram.

Materials And Methods: The study included 15 participants aged 25-40 years from the "Dry Immersion-2018" experiment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Microgravity-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction present significant challenges to long-term spaceflight, highlighting the urgent need to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and develop precise countermeasures. Previous studies have outlined the important role of miRNAs in cardiovascular disease progression, with miR-199a-3p playing a crucial role in myocardial injury repair and the maintenance of cardiac function. However, the specific role and expression pattern of miR-199a-3p in microgravity-induced cardiac remodeling remain unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Augmented reality is a promising technology for enhancing remote medical assistance. It assists users by directly projecting the relevant virtual assistance in the real world at the right moment and at the right location. This modality is called colocalization but has not been validated in parabolic flights.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!