Clinical effects of thigh cuffs during a 7-day 6 degrees head-down bed rest

Reduced Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Measured by 99mTc-Hexamethyl Propylene Amine Oxime Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Microgravity Simulated by 5-Day Dry Immersion

Microgravity induces a cephalad fluid shift that is responsible for cephalic venous stasis that may increase intracranial pressure (ICP) in astronauts. However, the effects of microgravity on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) are not known. We therefore investigated changes in rCBF in a 5-day dry immersion (DI) model. Moreover, we tested thigh cuffs as a countermeasure to prevent potential microgravity-induced modifications in rCBF. Around 18 healthy male participants underwent 5-day DI with or without a thigh cuffs countermeasure. They were randomly allocated to a control (n=9) or cuffs (n=9) group. rCBF was measured 4days before DI and at the end of the fifth day of DI (DI5), using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-hexamethyl propylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO). SPECT images were processed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM12) software. At DI5, we observed a significant decrease in rCBF in 32 cortical and subcortical regions, with greater hypoperfusion in basal ganglia (right putamen peak level: z=4.71, p uncorr<0.001), bilateral occipital regions (left superior occipital peak level: z=4.51, p uncorr<0.001), bilateral insula (right insula peak level: 4.10, p uncorr<0.001), and bilateral inferior temporal (right inferior temporal peak level: 4.07, p uncorr<0.001). No significant difference was found between the control and cuffs groups on change in rCBF after 5days of DI. After a 5-day DI, we found a decrease in rCBF in cortical and subcortical regions. However, thigh cuffs countermeasure failed to prevent hypoperfusion. To date, this is the first study measuring rCBF in DI. Further investigations are needed in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms in cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes after exposure to microgravity.

Effects of Venoconstrictive Thigh Cuffs on Dry Immersion-Induced Ophthalmological Changes

Neuro-ophthalmological changes named spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) reported after spaceflights are important medical issues. Dry immersion (DI), an analog to microgravity, rapidly induces a centralization of body fluids, immobilization, and hypokinesia similar to that observed during spaceflight. The main objectives of the present study were 2-fold: (1) to assess the neuro-ophthalmological impact during 5 days of DI and (2) to determine the effects of venoconstrictive thigh cuffs (VTC), used as a countermeasure to limit headward fluid shift, on DI-induced ophthalmological adaptations. Eighteen healthy male subjects underwent 5 days of DI with or without VTC countermeasures. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups of 9: a control and cuffs group. Retinal and optic nerve thickness were assessed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) was measured by ocular ultrasonography and used to assess indirect changes in intracranial pressure (ICP). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed by applanation tonometry. A higher thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the temporal quadrant was observed after DI. ONSD increased significantly during DI and remained higher during the recovery phase. IOP did not significantly change during and after DI. VTC tended to limit the ONSD enlargement but not the higher thickness of an RNFL induced by DI. These findings suggest that 5 days of DI induced significant ophthalmological changes. VTC were found to dampen the ONSD enlargement induced by DI.

DI-5-CUFFS: Venoconstrictive Thigh Cuffs Limit Body Fluid Changes but Not Orthostatic Intolerance Induced by a 5-Day Dry Immersion

Venoconstrictive thigh cuffs are used by cosmonauts to ameliorate symptoms associated with cephalad fluid shift. A ground simulation of microgravity, using the dry immersion (DI) model, was performed to assess the effects of thigh cuffs on body fluid changes and dynamics, as well as on cardiovascular deconditioning. Eighteen healthy men (25-43 years), randomly divided into two groups, (1) control group or (2) group with thigh cuffs worn 10 h/day, underwent 5-day DI. Cardiovascular responses to orthostatic challenge were evaluated using the lower body negative pressure (LBNP) test; body fluid changes were assessed by bio-impedance and hormonal assay; plasma volume evolution was estimated using hemoglobin-hematocrit; subjective tolerance was assessed by questionnaires. DI induced a decrease in plasma volume of 15-20%. Reduction in total body water of 3-6% stabilized toward the third day of DI. This reduction was derived mostly from the extracellular compartment. During the acute phase of DI, thigh cuffs limited the decrease in renin and the increase in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), the loss in total body water, and tended to limit the loss in calf volume, extracellular volume and plasma volume. At the later stable phase of DI, a moderate protective effect of thigh cuffs remained evident on the body fluids. Orthostatic tolerance time dropped after DI without significant difference between groups. Thigh cuff countermeasure slowed down and limited the loss of body water and tended to limit plasma loss induced by DI. These observed physiological responses persisted during periods when thigh cuffs were removed. However, thigh cuffs did not counteract decreased tolerance to orthostatic challenge.

Cardiovascular re-adjustments and baroreflex response during clinical reambulation procedure at the end of 35-day bed rest in humans

During the reambulation procedure after 35-day head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR) for 9 men, we recorded for the first time heart rate (HR; with electrocardiogram) and arterial pressure profiles (fingertip plethysmography) for 5 min in HDTBR and horizontal (SUP) positions, followed by 12 min in standing position, during which 4 subjects fainted (intolerant, INT) and were laid horizontal again (Recovery). We computed: mean arterial pressure (P¯; pressure profiles integral mean), stroke volume (SV; obtained with Modelflow method), and cardiac output (Q̇; SV × HR). All cardiovascular data remained stable in HDTBR and SUP for both groups (EXP). Taking the upright posture, EXP showed a decrease in SV and an increase in HR, becoming significantly different from SUP within 1 min. Further evolution of these parameters kept Q̇ stable in both groups until the second minute of standing. Afterward, in INT, P̄ precipitated without further HR increases: SV stopped being corrected and Q̇ reached 2.9 ± 0.4 L·min−1 at the last 15 s of standing. Sudden drop in P̄ allowed identification of a low-pressure threshold in INT (70.7 ± 12.9 mm Hg), after which syncope occurred within 80 s. During Recovery, baroreflex curves showed a flat phase (P̄ increase, HR stable), followed by a steep phase (P̄ increased, HR decreased, starting when P̄ was 84.5 ± 12.5 mm Hg and Q̇ was 9.6 ± 1.5 L·min−1). INT, in contrast with tolerant subjects, did not sustain standing because HR was unable to correct for the P̄ drop. These results indicate a major role for impaired arterial baroreflexes in the onset of orthostatic intolerance.

Effect of thigh cuffs on haemodynamic changes of the middle cerebral artery and on orthostatic intolerance induced by 10 days head-down bed rest

Thigh cuffs are used by cosmonauts to limit fluid shift during space flight, but the appropriate level of cuff pressure and the duration of application to optimize their beneficial effects require further detailed investigations. In the present study, 10 days head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest was performed to assess the effects of thigh cuffs (40 mmHg, 10 h/day) on haemodynamic changes of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and on orthostatic tolerance in six healthy male volunteers. Another six healthy male volunteers without thigh cuffs served as the control group. Haemodynamic parameters of the MCA were measured using transcranial Doppler. Orthostatic tolerance was assessed before and after HDT. After HDT, the mean upright time in the control and thigh cuff groups was 14.0 +/- 4.1 and 19.2 +/- 0.7 min, respectively. Compared with values before HDT, the percentage increase in heart rate from baseline in the upright position after HDT was significantly higher in the control group and the percentage change from baseline of mean diastolic arterial blood decreased more after HDT in this group. In the control group, systolic blood velocity (Vs) and mean blood velocity (Vm) of the right MCA decreased significantly during HDT. In the thigh cuffs group, the Vs of the right MCA decreased significantly on Days 3 and 7 of HDT and the Vm of the right MCA decreased significantly on Day 7 of HDT. The results indicate that daily use of thigh cuffs during 10 days of HDT does not completely prevent the decrease in haemodynamics of the right MCA, but is effective in preventing orthostatic intolerance.

From space to Earth: advances in human physiology from 20 years of bed rest studies (1986-2006)

Bed rest studies of the past 20 years are reviewed. Head-down bed rest (HDBR) has proved its usefulness as a reliable simulation model for the most physiological effects of spaceflight. As well as continuing to search for better understanding of the physiological changes induced, these studies focused mostly on identifying effective countermeasures with encouraging but limited success. HDBR is characterised by immobilization, inactivity, confinement and elimination of Gz gravitational stimuli, such as posture change and direction, which affect body sensors and responses. These induce upward fluid shift, unloading the body's upright weight, absence of work against gravity, reduced energy requirements and reduction in overall sensory stimulation. The upward fluid shift by acting on central volume receptors induces a 10-15% reduction in plasma volume which leads to a now well-documented set of cardiovascular changes including changes in cardiac performance and baroreflex sensitivity that are identical to those in space. Calcium excretion is increased from the beginning of bed rest leading to a sustained negative calcium balance. Calcium absorption is reduced. Body weight, muscle mass, muscle strength is reduced, as is the resistance of muscle to insulin. Bone density, stiffness of bones of the lower limbs and spinal cord and bone architecture are altered. Circadian rhythms may shift and are dampened. Ways to improve the process of evaluating countermeasures--exercise (aerobic, resistive, vibration), nutritional and pharmacological--are proposed. Artificial gravity requires systematic evaluation. This review points to clinical applications of BR research revealing the crucial role of gravity to health.

Plasma and Blood Volume in Space

Body fluid regulation is affected by gravity. The primary mechanisms of the etiology of hypovolemia found in simulation studies on earth and after space flight are different. The increased diuresis after increase of central blood volume postulated by Henry Gauer could not be found. Based on recent findings, new hypotheses about fluid volume regulation during space flight have emerged. The reduced blood volume in space is the result of 1) a negative balance of decreased fluid intake and smaller reduction of urine output; 2) fast fluid shifts from the intravascular to interstitial space as the result of lower transmural pressure after reduced compression of all tissue by gravitational forces especially of the thorax cage; and 3) fluid shifts from intravascular to muscle interstitial space because of less muscle tone required to maintain body posture. Additionally, loss of erythrocytes reduces blood volume. The attenuated diuresis during space flight can be explained by increased retention after stress-mediated sympathetic activation during initial phase of space flight, stimulation caused by reduced red cell mass, and activation after fast blood volume contraction. Additionally, the relation between plasma osmolarity and vasopressin release might be disturbed in microgravity.