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Maximal exercise performance after adaptation to microgravity

B D Levine1, L D Lane, D E Watenpaugh

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235, USA.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|August 1, 1996
PubMed
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Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) remained stable during 9-14 days of microgravity. However, astronauts experienced a 22% reduction in Vo2peak immediately post-flight due to decreased stroke volume and cardiac output.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Space Medicine
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • The cardiovascular system adapts to microgravity but struggles upon return to Earth, causing orthostatic intolerance and reduced work capacity.
  • Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2) and transport are key indicators of cardiovascular function but haven't been systematically measured in space or immediately post-flight.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically measure maximal systemic oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) in astronauts before, during, and immediately after spaceflight.
  • To assess the functional integrity of the cardiovascular system and its regulatory mechanisms under microgravity and upon return to Earth.

Main Methods:

  • Studied six astronauts (4 men, 2 women, aged 35-50) over 9-14 days on Spacelab missions (SLS-1, SLS-2).
  • Measured peak Vo2 (Vo2peak) using an incremental cycle ergometer protocol after prolonged submaximal exercise.
Keywords:
NASA Discipline CardiopulmonaryNon-NASA Center

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  • Monitored gas fractions, ventilation, heart rate, and cardiac output (Qc) using mass spectrometry, turbine flowmetry, ECG, and CO2 rebreathing, respectively.

    • Main Results:

    • Peak power and Vo2 were maintained during spaceflight, showing no significant difference compared to pre-flight levels.
    • Vo2peak decreased by 22% immediately post-flight (P < 0.05).
    • This reduction was attributed to decreased peak stroke volume and cardiac output (Qc), while peak heart rate, blood pressure, and systemic arteriovenous oxygen difference remained unchanged.

    Conclusions:

    • Systemic Vo2peak is well-maintained during 9-14 days of microgravity.
    • A significant reduction in Vo2peak occurs immediately upon return to Earth.
    • This post-flight decline is likely caused by reduced intravascular blood volume, leading to decreased stroke volume and cardiac output.