During the STS-50/USML-1 mission and five other Shuttle flights, decompression of the legs and lower abdomen ('lower body negative pressure,' LBNP) was used: (1) to apply a standardized stress to the cardiovascular system, to document the loss of orthostatic function during an extended period in weightlessness, and (2) to test its efficacy as a treatment which may be used to protect astronauts from gravitationally-induced fainting during and after reentry on Space Shuttle flights. The loss of orthostatic tolerance (as determined by LBNP) occured even earlier than indicated by similar testing on Skylab (1973-1974). The treatment was shown to be effective in reversing some of the effects of extended weightlessness on the cardiovascular system for at least one day after treatment.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Extended duration orbiter medical project countermeasure to reduce post space flight orthostatic intolerance (LBNP) (STS-50/USML-1)


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1994-05-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English