[Ballistocardiographic studies during the 4th expedition on the Saliut-6 orbital station]

This paper presents ballistocardiographic examinations of the Salyut-6 fourth expedition crew members who showed variations in both the shape and the amplitude of ballistocardiographic complexes. Ballistocardiograms (BCG) were recorded by means of a piezoelectric sensor with a sensitivity of 3 mV/cm x s-2. The sensor weight was 30 g. The sensor was attached to the upper part of the iliac bone, near the body mass center. During ballistocardiography the ballistic forces in the head-to-feet direction were recorded. The examinations were performed preflight and on mission days 46, 71, 98, 133, and 175. Hemodynamic specificities of the right and left heart were determined with the aid of the breath holding test. Measurements of BCG amplitudes were used to determine the kinetic effect of heart rate. The largest amplitude of BCG waves was seen on mission day 133. At this time period the systolic wave amplitude decreased during inhalation holding.