Effects of Lower-Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) on Fluid Distribution during Gravitational Unloading
- Paper number
IAC-19,A1,4,11,x49136
- Author
Ms. Katie Harris, France, International Space University (ISU)
- Coauthor
Dr. Lonnie Petersen, United States, University of California, San Diego
- Coauthor
Prof. Volker Damann, France, International Space University
- Coauthor
Dr. Jonathan Scott, Germany, Wyle Labs
- Coauthor
Dr. Tobias Weber, Germany, ESA, European Astronaut Centre (EAC)
- Year
2019
- Abstract
During spaceflight, astronauts undergo numerous physiological changes due to the microgravity environment. One of the most effects is the redistribution of fluid from the legs to the torso, which may significantly impact the cardiac and neuro-ocular systems. Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) is a technique that can be used to restore the 1G distribution of fluid within the body during spaceflight by drawing the fluid back into the legs using a pressurized chamber sealed at the iliac crest. As numerous space actors plan for extended deep space missions, effective countermeasures to combat the possible negative effects of fluid shifting are required. Currently, LBNP is used actively by Russian cosmonauts in the form of the Chibis suit as a countermeasure before reentry, while American and European space programs primarily use LBNP as a testing and research tool on the ground. A narrative review was undertaken under the supervision of Professor Volker Damann (ISU), Dr. Jonathan Scott (EAC), and Dr. Tobias Weber (EAC), to determine the current standing of LBNP research regarding the efficacy of LBNP as a countermeasure, as well as the general understanding of causal links between LBNP pressures and fluid movement. The review indicates that while there is significant ground-based research that links a step-down protocol of LBNP pressures to heart rate and eventual orthostatic tolerance in astronauts, the literature pertaining to the movement of fluid specifically is sparse. This presentation will outline the research conducted, and the critical gaps found in LBNP fluid movement research that must be addressed in order to proceed with adapting LBNP as a practical, comfortable, and effective countermeasure for long duration space flight.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-19,A1,4,11,x49136.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.