Polygraphic belt with force-sensing expander for physiological tests on cosmonauts.

Area of Science:

• Space physiology
• Biomedical engineering
• Wearable technology

Background:

• Monitoring astronaut physiological functions is crucial for long-duration space missions.
• Existing methods may be limited in their ability to capture comprehensive cardiorespiratory and neuromotor data.
• Novel, non-invasive monitoring solutions are needed for spaceflight environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel wearable system for assessing cardiorespiratory and neuromotor functions in cosmonauts.
• To integrate polygraphic sensors and a force-sensing expander into a single, cohesive unit.
• To evaluate the system's efficacy in a spaceflight context.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel belt incorporating a three-electrode ECG/impedance plethysmographic system, two triaxial accelerometers, and an IR reflex-sensor.
• Integration of a force-sensing expander with an elastic cable and load cell for measuring extension force and inducing oscillations.
• Testing of the developed equipment during MIR spaceflights.

Main Results:

• The polygraphic system successfully captured cardiac and respiratory activity, limb micromotions, and peripheral pulse waves.
• The force-sensing expander effectively measured extension forces and induced involuntary limb oscillations.
• The integrated system demonstrated feasibility for physiological monitoring in space.

Conclusions:

• The novel wearable belt and force expander system provides a comprehensive approach to monitoring cosmonaut physiological functions.
• The technology is suitable for in-flight testing and has potential for future space missions, including on the ISS.
• This system advances the capability for real-time physiological assessment during space exploration.