Compression Stockings May Ameliorate Orthostatic Intolerance in Astronauts After Short-Duration Space FlightOrthostatic intolerance following spaceflight has been observed since the early days of manned spaceflight, and no countermeasure has been 100% effective. During re-entry NASA astronauts currently wear an inflatable anti-gravity suit (AGS) which compresses the legs and abdomen, but this device is uncomfortable and loses effectiveness upon egress from the Space Shuttle. We previously reported that foot-to-thigh, gradient compression stockings were comfortable and effective during standing after Shuttle missions. More recently we showed in a ground-based model of spaceflight that the addition of splanchnic compression to the foot-to-thigh compression stockings, creating foot-to-breast high compression, improved orthostatic tolerance in hypovolemic subjects to a level similar to the AGS. Purpose: To evaluate a new three-piece, foot-to-breast high gradient compression garment as a countermeasure to post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance. Methods: Fourteen astronauts completed this experiment (7 control, 7 treatment) following Space Shuttle missions lasting 12-16 days. Treatment subjects were custom-fitted for a three-piece, foot-to-breast high compression garment consisting of shorts and foot-to-thigh stockings. The garments were constructed to provide 55 mmHg compression at the ankle and decreased gradually to 15 mmHg over the abdomen. Orthostatic testing occurred ~30 days before flight (without garments) and ~2 hours after flight (with garments for treatment group only) on landing day. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were acquired for 2 minutes while the subject lay prone and then for 3.5 minutes after the subject stood. Data are reported as mean +/- SE. Results: The compression garment successfully prevented the tachycardia and hypotension typically seen post-spaceflight. On landing day, treatment subjects had a smaller change in HR (11+/-1 vs. 21+/-4 beats/min, p< or =0.05) and no decrease in systolic BP (2+/-4 vs. -9+/-2 mmHg, p< or =0.05). Garments also received good comfort ratings and were relatively easy to don. Conclusion: In this small group of astronauts, foot-to-breast high gradient compression garments seem to have prevented these negative effects of spaceflight on the cardiovascular responses to standing.
Document ID
20110014835
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Platts, Steven H. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Lee, Stuart M. C. (Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering Group Houston, TX, United States)
Westby, Christian M. (Universities Space Research Association Houston, TX, United States)
Ribeiro, L. Christine (Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering Group Houston, TX, United States)
Stenger, Michael B. (Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering Group Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
November 2, 2011
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-24497JSC-CN-25023
Meeting Information
Meeting: 32nd Annual International Gravitational Physiology