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Publication AbstractsVenoconstrictive thigh cuffs impede fluid shifts during simulated microgravity.Lindgren KN, Kraft D, Ballard RE, Tucker A, Hargens AR.Aviat Space Environ Med 1998; 69:10528 AbstractBackground: This study determined the efficacy of venoconstrictive thigh cuffs, inflated to 50 mmHg, on impeding fluid redistributions during simulated microgravity. Methods: There were 10 healthy male subjects who were exposed to a 2-h tilt protocol which started in the standing position, and was followed by 30 min supine, 30 min standing, 30 min supine, 30 min of -12° head down tilt (HDT, to simulate microgravity), 15 min of HDT with venoconstrictive thigh cuffs inflated, a further 10 min of HDT, 5 min supine, and 10 min standing. To increase the sensitivity of the techniques in an Earth-based model, 12° HDT was used to simulate microgravity effects on body fluid shifts. Volume changes were measured with anthropometric sleeve plethysmography. Results: Transition to the various tilt positions resulted in concomitant decrements in leg volume (Stand [STD] to Supine [SUP], -3.0%; SUP to HDT, -2.0%). Inflation of the venoconstrictive thigh cuffs to 50 mmHg, during simulated microgravity, resulted in a significant 3.0% increase in leg volume from that seen in HDT (p < 0.01). No significant changes in systemic cardiovascular parameters were noted during cuff inflation. Conclusions: We conclude that venoconstrictive thigh cuffs, inflated to 50 mmHg for 15 min during 12° HDT, can create a more Earth-like fluid distribution. Cuffs could potentially be used to ameliorate the symptoms of cephalad edema seen with space adaptation syndrome and to potentiate existing fluid volume countermeasure protocols.
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