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Skylab experiment M-171 'Metabolic Activity' - Results of the first manned missionThe experiment was performed to ascertain whether man's ability to perform mechanical work would be altered as a result of exposure to the weightless environment. Skylab II crewmen were exercised on a bicycle ergometer at loads approximating 25%, 50%, and 75% of their maximum oxygen uptake while their physiological responses were monitored. The results of these tests indicate that the crewmen had no significant decrement in their response to exercise during their exposure to zero gravity. Immediately postflight, however, all crewmen demonstrated an inability to perform the programmed exercise with the same metabolic effectiveness as they did both preflight and inflight. The most significant changes were elevated heart rates for the same work load and oxygen consumption (decreased oxygen pulse), decreased stroke volume, and decreased cardiac output at the same oxygen consumption level. It is apparent that the changes occurred inflight, but did not manifest themselves until the crewmen attempted to readapt to the 1-G environment.
Document ID
19750052268
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Michel, E. L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Biomedical Research Div., Houston, Tex., United States)
Rummel, J. A.
Sawin, C. F.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Environmental Physiology Branch, Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1975
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Accession Number
75A36340
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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