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Hemodynamic changes during whole body surface cooling and lower body negative pressure
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|July 1, 1981
Summary
Whole body surface cooling (WBSC) using 10°C water effectively increases stroke volume and lowers heart rate, acting as a promising antiorthostatic intervention. This non-pharmacological method warrants further investigation for spaceflight and other applications.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Aerospace Medicine
Background:
- Whole body surface cooling (WBSC) has shown potential as an antiorthostatic intervention.
- Previous studies utilized 16°C water, but optimal temperatures for WBSC remain undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of WBSC using 10°C water perfusion as an antiorthostatic intervention.
- To determine the effects of lower perfusion temperatures on hemodynamic responses.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy young males were subjected to WBSC with 10°C water.
- Hemodynamic parameters, including stroke volume, heart rate, and blood pressure, were measured at rest and during lower body negative pressure (LBNP).
- Mean skin temperature (Tsk) and oxygen uptake were also monitored.
Main Results:
- Perfusion with 10°C water resulted in a greater decrease in mean skin temperature (-4°C) compared to 16°C water (-2°C).
- Stroke volume increased by 11% at rest and 35% during LBNP (-50 torr).
- Heart rate decreased significantly (8 beats/min), systolic blood pressure increased (8 torr), and oxygen uptake rose slightly (+84 ml/min).
Conclusions:
- WBSC with 10°C water is an effective non-pharmacological method for controlling preload.
- The findings support further investigation of WBSC as a viable antiorthostatic countermeasure.