Numerical simulation of cardiovascular system deconditioning in different microgravity mission scenarios. Risk assessment and countermeasures.

Paper number

IAC-19,A1,2,13,x50047

Author

Prof. Antoni Perez-Poch, Spain, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC BarcelonaTech)

Year

2019

Abstract

We report results from different intensive simulations aimed at evaluate the risks involved in a long-term exposure to hypo and hypergravity loads for a very extensive range of possible mission scenarios. The simulation allows us to introduce different levels of exposure to micro or hypergravity, analyse the consequences on relevant figures of cardiovascular deconditioning, such as heart rate, mean stroke volume or vascular resistance; and evalatue the relative risk of putting a mission into jeopardy due to microgravity deconditioning effects.Thermical stress, aerobic or anaerobic exercise are also simulated to take into account a realistic long-term space mission including, for example, ExtraVehicular Activities (EVA) or physical exercise as countermeasure.
Gender differences have been found, with a significant difference in risk decrement for women compared with that in men, when aerobic exercise is simulated in long-term missions.
The model is based on previous works form Melchier et al.or Heldt et al. who described in analytical terms the process of orthostatic intolerance due to gravity alterations being applied ot a subject. We then incorporated these Runge-Kutta equations into a numerical model by using Matlab and Simulink software, to take into account the complex process of deconditioning of the cardiovascular system. Results from these models were validated in parabolic flight. The simulation is based on an  electrical-like control system model in which output variables of the body performance (vascular resistance,blood volume etc) are found while step-by-step changes of gravity and thermal stress were applied.  Different micrograivity exposure scenarios, including Moon, Mars and other exploration missions are considered, and their associated risks are quantified. The more relevant results are provided, including the finding that the vascular resistance deconditioning appears to be alike in both microgravity and the reduced gravity at the level of the Moon. This deconditioning is not reversed by applying countermeasures; which raises concerns for successful manned Mars mission scenarios and others which include long-term microgravity exposure. Last results from these intensive numerical simulations of the deconditioning of the cardiovascular system show a variety of mission scenarios, with their risk assessment; which can be an optimal tool for planifying long-term manned missions with hypo and hypergravity exposure.

Abstract document

IAC-19,A1,2,13,x50047.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,A1,2,13,x50047.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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