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Gradient compression garments as a countermeasure to post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance
Michael B Stenger1, Angela K Brown, Stuart M C Lee
1Integrated Science and Engineering Group, NASA/Johnson Space Center, 1290 Hercules Drive, Houston, TX 77058, USA. michael.b.stenger@nasa.gov
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|September 10, 2010
Summary
Gradient compression garments effectively prevented orthostatic intolerance in astronauts after spaceflight. This countermeasure improved cardiovascular responses, reducing presyncope symptoms during post-flight testing.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Human physiology
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- Post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance affects a significant percentage of astronauts.
- Current countermeasures, like NASA's antigravity suit, have limitations for postflight use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of commercially available, thigh-high gradient compression garments in preventing post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance.
Main Methods:
- Five astronauts were fitted with compression garments before spaceflight.
- Postflight cardiovascular responses (blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output) during head-up tilt were compared between garment wearers and a control group.
Main Results:
- No astronauts wearing compression garments experienced presyncope, unlike three in the control group.
- Compression garment wearers exhibited higher systolic blood pressure, stroke volume, and cardiac output compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Thigh-high gradient compression garments show promise in mitigating post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance.
- These garments improved key cardiovascular metrics, suggesting a viable countermeasure for astronauts.
