Engineering topics

Lathers, Claire M.

Publications and source records attributed to Lathers, Claire M..

3 records

NASA NTRS1991

Orthostatic function during a stand test before and after head-up or head-down bedrest

The effects of head-down or head-up bedrest at -5, +10, +20, or +42 deg (simulating 0, 1/6, 1/3, and 2/3 g, respectively) for 6 hrs on four different days on the orthostatic tolerance were investigated by measuring relevant physiological reactions to orthostatic test taken before and after bedrest sessions. The multivariate analysis of variance statistical analyses indicates that there was no angle effect on any of the cardiovascular parameters monitored during the last 3 min of the stand test, suggesting that partial gravity loads would have no effect on the cardiovascular deconditioning exhibited postflight. There was, however, a significant elevation in the heart rate post-bedrest, and the heart rate increased on standing. Results from the stand test pre- and post-bedrest at -5 deg (but not at +10, +20, and +42 deg) were similar to those observed after space flight.

Lathers, Claire M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Acute hemodynamic response to weightlessness during parabolic flight

The effect of a short exposure to weightlessness on hemodynamic parameters of humans was investigated in seven subjects flown aboard the KC-135 aircraft. Particular attention is given to the relationships among various hemodynamic responses to hypergravic and hypogravic states, observed for four different postures: semisupine, supine, standing, and sitting. Results are presented on changes in the thoracic fluid index, heart rate, cardiac index, and the coefficient of variation of the R-R intervals. High values of the coefficient of variation were found at the onset of 0-G, suggesting that vagal cardiac neural activity increases in all positions except supine (where a small decrease was registered).

Mukai, Chiaki N.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Cardiovascular adaptation to spaceflight

Data are presented on the rate of adaptation of the human cardiovascular system to conditions of spaceflight, with particular attention given to data obtained during spaceflight in the U.S. Space Shuttle Program. It is pointed out that many of the cardiovascular changes that occurred during spaceflights that lasted from 2 to 11 days can be traced directly to changes in the body fluid volume. The beneficial effects of a fluid loading countermeasure (oral rehydration) and of the supine body position on the heart rate during the spaceflight are demonstrated. It is noted that, after hours or a few days of spaceflight, a state of adaptation is reached, in which the subject is well adapted and appropriately hydrated for the weightless environment. However, the return to the normal gravity of the earth leaves the individual especially sensitive to orthostatic stress.

Charles, John B.↗