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Mechanical counter pressure on the arm counteracts adverse effects of hypobaric exposuresINTRODUCTION: Current space suits have limited movement due to gas pressurization during exposure to the vacuum of space. Alternatively, if pressure is applied by an elastic garment vs. pneumatic garment to produce mechanical counter pressure (MCP), several advantages are possible. In this study, we investigate local microcirculatory and other effects produced with and without a prototype MCP glove and sleeve during exposure to varying levels of vacuum. METHODS: The entire arms of eight male volunteers were studied at normal ambient pressure and during 5 min exposures to -50, -100, and -150 mm Hg with and without the MCP glove and sleeve. Pressure distribution, skin microvascular flow, and temperature were measured. RESULTS: The MCP glove and sleeve generated over 200 mm Hg on the middle finger, dorsum of the hand, and the wrist. However, pressure was significantly lower on the forearm and the upper arm. Without the glove and sleeve, only two of eight subjects tolerated -100 mm Hg. Also, no subject tolerated -150 mm Hg. However, subjects tolerated all vacuum pressures wearing the glove and sleeve. Skin microvascular flow and temperature remained within control values with the glove and sleeve at a chamber pressure of -150 mm Hg. DISCUSSION: The MCP glove and sleeve counteracts adverse effects of vacuum exposures due to lower pressure differentials. Pressure levels over the hand and wrist are similar to those of the current U.S. space suit glove and sleeve, but additional development is required to increase MCP over the forearm and upper arm.
Document ID
20040087560
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Tanaka, Kunihiko
(University of California, Department of Orthopaedics San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, United States)
Limberg, Ryan
Webb, Paul
Reddig, Mike
Jarvis, Christine W.
Hargens, Alan R.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Aviation, space, and environmental medicine
Volume: 74
Issue: 8
ISSN: 0095-6562
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary
NASA Program Biomedical Research and Countermeasures
Non-NASA Center

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