Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Reduced-gravity Environment Hardware Demonstrations of a Prototype Miniaturized Flow Cytometer and Companion Microfluidic Mixing Technology
Published on: November 13, 2014
Dynamics of blood pressure, pulse wave transit time and systolic time intervals during acute gravity changes induced
Pierre-Francois Migeotte1, Thomas Dominique, Rui Carlos Sa
1Biomedical Physics Laboratory, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik, Brussels, Belgium. pfmigeot@ulb.ac.be
Abstract:
To investigate cardiovascular adaptation to transient microgravity (microgravity), we measured RR intervals (RRI), arterial blood pressure (BP), pulse wave transit time (PTT) and systolic time intervals (STI) during parabolic flight. Our results demonstrate that during microgram RRI, BP and PTT are subject to a rapid adaptation likely mediated by the baroreflex whereas STI changes with microgravity but does not present further adaptation.
Related Concept Videos
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Variation of Atmospheric Pressure
Assuming the air temperature is constant at a given altitude and that the ideal gas law of thermodynamics describes the atmosphere to a good approximation, one can find the variation of atmospheric pressure with height.
Let p(y) be the atmospheric pressure at...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

