Determining the Dose Response Profile of the Headward Fluid Shift During Varying Gravity Levels

Overview

Parabolic flight provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the acute changes associated with varying levels of gravity and to describe how key venous parameters change at levels less than normal Earth gravity. Characterizing these changes in response to varying G-levels is an important step in determining what G-level may be required to reverse weightlessness-induced fluid shifts and thus serve as a viable countermeasure during long-duration spaceflight. Further, these results will inform National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) whether there might be a lower risk of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) during extended stays on the Moon and Mars.

Subjects first will be studied for baseline data collection (BDC) on Earth in a 1 gravity-level (G) environment while seated and supine. During baseline data collection, the operator will identify the proper location of the internal jugular vein measurement (below the confluence of the internal jugular vein and superior thyroid vein) using ultrasound and mark this location with a marker so subsequent scans can be taken in the same location. Thereafter, six electrocardiogram electrodes will be adhered to the skin of the chest and connected to the ultrasound machine and to a data recording system. A small blood pressure cuff will be placed around one finger; blood pressure also will be recorded continuously. The blood pressure cuff will be inflated preflight during baseline data collection and inflight during the parabolas. Baseline ultrasound images of the internal jugular vein will be acquired in the seated and supine positions on the ground. Measurements will include 2D ultrasound of the right and left internal jugular veins for measurement of cross-sectional area and pressure, and Doppler ultrasound of the right and left internal jugular veins for flow characterization. Anti-motion sickness medication is distributed to flying participants at their discretion. Participants board the Airbus A310 aircraft fasten seatbelts for takeoff. After takeoff, the pilots fly the aircraft to a specific air zone where the parabolas will take place. With other members of the participant's group, participants will then move to the area of the cabin in which data will be collected. Participants will receive instructions from Novespace to maintain safety during the parabolic flight. The aircraft will fly in parabolas that initially produce increased gravity (1.8-G, "hypergravity"), followed by \~20-50 second periods of partial gravity or weightlessness. After that, there will be another pull-up (hypergravity) to complete the parabola. The plane then will fly in normal horizontal flight for a few minutes before repeating the parabolic flight path again. The pilots will perform this sequence of maneuvers many times. The number of times, the level of reduced gravity, and the order of reduced gravity exposures will depend upon the flight plan for that day. Subjects will be informed of the flight plan in the pre-mission briefing conducted by Novespace. Flights which produce partial gravity (0.25-, 0.50-, and 0.75-gravity) generally will consist of 31 parabolas (at least 10 parabolas at each gravity level), and flights that produce weightlessness generally will consist of 16 parabolas. The total flight time from take-off to landing is approximately 2-3 hours. During the flight, subjects will be seated in a specially designed chair with a seatbelt, and the ultrasound operator will be seated to the right and front of them facing the subject. Measurements will be taken multiple times during partial gravity or weightlessness and during level flight. Subjects are requested to minimize movements during the ultrasound measurements so that accurate measurements can be obtained. Also, subjects will be encouraged to minimize any movements during periods of increased gravity ("pull-out", "pull-up") in order to prevent motion sickness. After the data collection is completed, subjects will be disconnected from the hardware, and electrodes can be removed. While subjects may experience fatigue, tiredness, and motion sickness from participating in parabolic flight, there will be no direct effects from the ultrasound measurements, except for perhaps skin irritation from the electrodes. During the consent process prior to collection of video or still images, we will ask for consent as designated on the Research Consent Form. Novespace will photograph or film participants in Novespace facilities, including the aircraft, and use those images for the purposes of promotion and communication. Also, photos or video recordings of test subjects may be collected by the investigator team during the experiment. These photos may be used in future presentations or publications to demonstrate procedures used during the flight study.