NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Skin microvascular flow during hypobaric exposure with and without a mechanical counter-pressure space suit gloveINTRODUCTION: Current space suits are rigid, gas-pressurized shells that protect astronauts from the vacuum of space. A tight elastic garment or mechanical-counter-pressure (MCP) suit generates pressure by compression and may have several advantages over current space suit technology. In this study, we investigated local microcirculatory effects produced with and without a prototype MCP glove. METHODS: The right hand of eight normal volunteers was studied at normal ambient pressure and during exposure to -50, -100 and -150 mm Hg with and without the MCP glove. Measurements included the pressure against the hand, skin microvascular flow, temperature on the dorsum of the hand, and middle finger girth. RESULTS: Without the glove, skin microvascular flow and finger girth significantly increased with negative pressure, and the skin temperature decreased compared with the control condition. The MCP glove generated approximately 200 mm Hg at the skin surface; all measured values remained at control levels during exposure to negative pressure. DISCUSSION: Without the glove, skin microvascular flow and finger girth increased with negative pressure, probably due to a blood shift toward the hand. The elastic compression of the material of the MCP glove generated pressure on the hand similar to that in current gas-pressurized space suit gloves. The MCP glove prevented the apparent blood shift and thus maintained baseline values of the measured variables despite exposure of the hand to negative pressure.
Document ID
20040087996
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Tanaka, Kunihiko
(University of California, Department of Orthopaedics San Diego, 92103, United States)
Waldie, James
Steinbach, Gregory C.
Webb, Paul
Tourbier, Dietmar
Knudsen, Jeffrey
Jarvis, Christine W.
Hargens, Alan R.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Aviation, space, and environmental medicine
Volume: 73
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0095-6562
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary
Non-NASA Center

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available