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At least 1,603 records · Page 89

Summary and recommendations for initial exercise prescription

The recommendations summarized herein constitute a basis on which an initial exercise prescription can be formulated. It is noteworthy that any exercise program designed currently would be an approximation. Examination of the existing space-flight data reveals a scarcity of in-flight data on which to rigorously design an exercise program. The relevant experience within the U.S. space program (with regard to long-duration space flight) is limited to the Skylab Program. Lessons learned from Skylab are relevant to the design of a Space Station exercise program, especially with regard to the total length of exercise time required, cardiovascular (CV) deconditioning/reconditioning, and bone loss. Certain observations of the U.S.S.R. exercise activities can also contribute to the formulation of an exercise prescription of Space Station. Reportedly, the U.S.S.R. uses both a bicycle ergometer and a treadmill device on long-duration missions with some degree of success. Using the third crew of Salyut 6, which was a 175-day stay, as a representative mission, the typical time dedicated to exercise varies from 2 to 3 hours per day. In addition, the cosmonauts wear an elasticized suit, called a penquin suit, for time periods ranging from 12 to 16 hours per day. This device provides a load across the axial skeleton against which the wearer must exert himself. Despite these extensive countermeasures, the effects of adaptation are not totally prevented.

Stewart, Donald F.↗

Review of acousto-ultrasonic NDE for composites

Acousto-ultrasonics utilizes simulated stress waves to detect and quantify defect states, damage conditions, and variations of mechanical properties in fiber reinforced composites. The term acousto-ultrasonics denotes a combination of aspects of acoustic emission methodology with ultrasonic materials characterization. The acousto-ultrasonic approach was developed to deal primarily with evaluation of the integrated effect of minor flaws and diffuse flaw populations of subcritical flaws in composite and bonded structures. These factors singly and collectively also influence acousto-ultrasonic measurements that, in turn, correlate with dynamic response and mechanical property variations. Since it was first introduced, the acousto-ultrasonic approach was successfully applied to a variety of materials, including polymeric, metallic, and ceramic matrix composites; adhesively bonded materials; paper and wood products; cable and rope; and also human bone. Examples of applications and limitations of the approach are reviewed. Basic methods and guidelines are discussed. The underlying hypothesis and theory development needs are indicated.

Vary, Alex↗

Ion Beam Sputtered Coatings of Bioglass

The ion beam sputtering technique available at the NASA-Lewis was used to apply coatings of bioglass to ceramic, metallic, and polymeric substrates. Experiments in vivo and in vitro described investigate these coatings. Some degree of substrate masking was obtained in all samples although stability and reactivity equivalent to bulk bioglass was not observed in all coated samples. Some degree of stability was seen in all coated samples that were reacted in vitro. Both metallic and ceramic substrates coated in this manner failed to show significantly improved coatings over those obtained with existing techniques. Implantation of the coated ceramic substrate samples in bone gave no definite bonding as seen with bulk glass; however, partial and patchy bonding was seen. Polymeric substrates in these studies showed promise of success. The coatings applied were sufficient to mask the underlying reactive test surface and tissue adhesion of collagen to bioglass was seen. Hydrophilic, hydrophobic, charged, and uncharged polymeric surfaces were successfully coated.

Hench, Larry L.↗

The International Space University's variable gravity research facility design

A manned mission to Mars will require long travel times between Earth and Mars. However, exposure to long-duration zero gravity is known to be harmful to the human body. Some of the harmful effects are loss of heart and lung capacity, inability to stand upright, muscular weakness and loss of bone calcium. A variable gravity research facility (VGRF) that would be placed in low Earth orbit (LEO) was designed by students of the International Space University 1989 Summer Session held in Strasbourg, France, to provide a testbed for conducting experiments in the life and physical sciences in preparation for a mission to Mars. This design exercise was unique because it addressed all aspects concerning a large space project. The VGRF design was described which was developed by international participants specializing in the following areas: the politics of international cooperation, engineering, architecture, in-space physiology, material and life science experimentation, data communications, business, and management.

Bailey, Sheila G.↗

Spacelab Life Sciences 1 - Dedicated life sciences mission

The Spacelab Life Sciences 1 (SLS-1) mission is discussed, and an overview of the SLS-1 Spacelab configuration is shown. Twenty interdisciplinary experiments, planned for this mission, are intended to explore the early stages of human and animal physiological adaptation to space flight conditions. Biomedical and gravitational biology experiments include cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary deconditioning, altered vestibular functions, altered metabolic functions (including altered fluid-electrolyte regulation), muscle atrophy, bone demineralization, decreased red blood cell mass, and altered immunologic responses.

Womack, W. D.↗

Physiological adaptation to space flight

In space, adaptive physiological changes have been observed in virtually all body systems, but how far these changes progress with time is not known. Their time course demonstrates variable patterns; some systems show evidence of gradual and progressive change. Biomedical postflight data have shown that a compensatory period of readaptation to one gravity is required after space flight, with longer intervals required for longer missions. Consistent readaptation trends include orthostatic intolerance and neurovestibular difficulties. For the long-duration missions of the exploration era, it is critical to determine the extent to which deleterious changes (e.g., bone loss and possible immunological changes) can be reversed upon return to earth. Radiation protection is another critical enabling element for missions beyond low earth orbit. Radiation exposure guidelines have not been established for exploration missions. Currently our experience is insufficient to prescribe countermeasures for the stay times associated with a lunar base or a mission to Mars. Artificial gravity may provide a solution, but the level and duration of exposure necessary to prevent deconditioning must be determined. Central issues for medical care in remote settings are preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care and the minimization of risk.

Nicogossian, Arnauld E.↗

Life sciences research using a lunar laboratory

The necessity for life sciences research on the lunar surface in order to determine the consequences of returning from extended missions in various low gravity environments and of transiting through high multiple gravity forces during decelerations is discussed. The functions of a lunar gravitational biology laboratory are outlined. Lunar science objectives include investigations in developmental biology including the evaluation of the capacity of diverse organisms to undergo normal development and the evaluation of the use of the lunar environment to study specific developmental phenomena in ways that cannot be accomplished by earth-based research. The need for musculoskeletal studies to examine the dynamics of osteoclast and osteoblast formation and breakdown and to address bone and demineralization problems is discussed. Biological adaptation to hypogravic environments and the effects of radiation and electromagnetic environmental factors are also considered.

Cipriano, Leonard F.↗

Prevention of space flight induced soft tissue calcification and disuse osteoporosis

Medical complications such as renal stone formation, increased uric acid output, and disuse osteoporosis are discussed. A series of experiments was conducted in order to study and eventually reduce these flight hazards. Attempts to prevent the negative calcium balance and loss of calcaneal density during prolonged bed rest had only a limited success. Of the five biochemical regiments tested, only diphosphonate applied in a high dose had a positive effect in elliminating mineral losses. It is found that clodronate can prevent disuse osteoporosis and that fluoride can enhance bone formation. It is concluded that exercises, combined with pharmaceutical agents, are beneficial during long-duration space missions.

Schneider, Victor S.↗

Metabolism and biochemistry in hypogravity

The headward shift of body fluid and increase in stress-related hormones that occur in hypogravity bring about a number of changes in metabolism and biochemistry of the human body. Such alterations may have important effects on health during flight and during a recovery period after return to earth. Body fluid and electrolytes are lost, and blood levels of several hormones that control metabolism are altered during space flight. Increased serum calcium may lead to an increased risk of renal stone formation during flight, and altered drug metabolism could influence the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Orthostatic intolerance and an increased risk of fracturing weakened bones are concerns at landing. It is important to understand biochemistry and metabolism in hypogravity so that clinically important developments can be anticipated and prevented or ameliorated.

Leach, Carolyn S.↗

Acousto-ultrasonics - Retrospective exhortation with bibliography

Major research on the acousto-ultrasonic (AU) technique (also known as the stress-wave-factor technique) encompassing aspects of acoustic emission and ultrasonic materials characterization methodology is reviewed. AU deals primarily with such factors as the assessment of the integrated effects of diffuse defect states, thermomechanical degradation, and population of subcritical flaws that influence AU measurements correlating with mechanical property variations. AU is used to evaluate fiber-reinforced composites, adhesive bonds, lumber, paper and wood products, cable and rope, and human bone. The AU technique has been demonstrated to be sensitive to interlaminar and adhesive bond strength variations and has been shown to be useful in assessing microporosity and microcracking produced by fatigue cycling. An extensive bibliography ranging from 1985 to 1991 is presented.

Vary, Alex↗

International Union of Physiological Sciences Commission on Gravitational Physiology, Annual Meeting, 11th, Lyons, France, Sept. 25-27, 1989, Proceedings

Topics discussed include recent space flight results in gravitational physiology, cardiovascular changes, current concepts in gravitational physiology, musculoskeletal changes, gravity and the cardiovascular system, hypergravic conditions, and head-down tilt. Papers are presented on the effect of space flight on the ultrastructure of the rat cerebellar and hemisphere cortex, a comparative study of cardiovascular responses in primates exposed to tilt test and lower body positive pressure, catecholamines during short- and long-term head-down bedrest, and effects of a 40-day tail-suspension on rat weight-bearing bones. Attention is also given to otolith versus vertical semicircular canal input in the inhibition of horizontal postrotatory nystagmus, cardiovascular responses to sustained acceleration, effects of high sustained hypergravity on plasma catecholamines, and the carotid baroreceptor cardiac-vagal reflex responses during 10 days of head-down tilt.

Reynolds, Orr E.↗

Interplanetary crew exposure estimates for the August 1972 and October 1989 solar particle events

Detailed exposure estimates for the bone marrow, ocular lens, and skin of astronauts on manned missions beyond the earth's magnetosphere have been made for the large solar particle events (SPE) of August 1972 and October 1989. The estimates were made using the coupled neutron-proton space radiation transport computer code BRYNTRN and the CAM model for the human body. It is found that at least 10 g/sq cm aluminum shielding is needed to keep estimated dose equivalent values below current space radiation exposure guidelines recommended for LEO missions. Space suits currently being designed will not provide adequate crew protection and may not even ensure crew survival in the event of exposure to a large SPE during extravehicular activity.

Townsend, Lawrence W.↗

Effects Of Exercise During Prolonged Bed Rest

Report describes experiment to investigate effects of isotonic and isokinetic leg exercises in counteracting effects of bed rest upon physical and mental conditions of subjects. Data taken on capacity for work, endurance and strength, tolerance to sitting up, equilibrium, posture, gait, atrophy, mineralization and density of bones, endocrine analyses concerning vasoactivity and fluid and electrolyte balances, intermediary metabolism of muscles, mood, and performance.

Arnaud, S.↗

Techniques for determination of impact forces during walking and running in a zero-G environment

One of the deleterious adaptations to the microgravity conditions of space flight is the loss of bone mineral content. This loss appears to be at least partially attributable to the minimal skeletal axial loading concomitant with microgravity. The purpose of this study was to develop and fabricate the instruments and hardware necessary to quantify the vertical impact forces (Fz) imparted to users of the space shuttle passive treadmill during human locomotion in a three-dimensional zero-gravity environment. The shuttle treadmill was instrumented using a Kistler forceplate to measure vertical impact forces. To verify that the instruments and hardware were functional, they were tested both in the one-G environment and aboard the KC-135 reduced gravity aircraft. The magnitude of the impact loads generated in one-G on the shuttle treadmill for walking at 0.9 m/sec and running at 1.6 and 2.2 m/sec were 1.1, 1.7, and 1.7 G, respectively, compared with loads of 0.95, 1.2, and 1.5 G in the zero-G environment.

Greenisen, Michael↗

Dynamic inter-limb resistance exercise device for long-duration space flight

Essential for fitness on Earth, resistive exercise is even more important for astronauts, who must maintain muscle and bone strength in the absence of gravity. To meet this need, designers and scientists at NASA Ames Research Center, Life Science Division, have worked to develop more effective exercise devices for long-duration exposure to microgravity. One of these concepts is the Inter-Limb Resistance Device which allows the subject to exercise one limb directly against another, strengthening muscle groups in the arms, legs, and back. It features a modular harness with an inelastic cable and instrumented pulley. Forces similar to other high resistance exercise equipment are generated. Sensors in the pulley measure force and velocity for performance feedback display and data acquisition. This free-floating apparatus avoids vibration of sensitive experiments on board spacecraft. Compact with low mass, this hardware is also well suited for a 'safe haven' from radiation on board Space Station Freedom, and may prove useful in confined environments on Earth, such as Antarctic stations, submarines, and other underwater habitats. Potential spin-offs of this technology include products for personal strengthening and cardiovascular conditioning, rehabilitation of hospital patients, fitness exercise for the disabled, and retraining after sports injuries.

Schwandt, Douglas F.↗

Application of integrated structural analysis to the high speed civil transport

The Integrated Structural Analysis (ISA) system was developed in response to the need to define lightweight structures early in the design process for military aircraft. The objective of the ISA system is to permit rapid development of an optimized skin and big-bones structure that insures that the requirements of strength, dynamics, loads, and weight are met. While the system was originally developed for fighter aircraft, it is applicable to commercial transports or any other structures. The design requirements dictate the structural arrangement and sizing limitations to be imposed.

Saff, C. R.↗

Nutritional Requirements for Space Station Freedom Crews

The purpose of this report was to set preliminary nutritional requirements for crewmembers flying from 90 to 180 day missions on Space Station Freedom. Specific recommendations included providing crewmembers with in flight feedback on nutritional intake, weight and strength, and incorporating issues of energy intake, body weight, body composition, strength, and protein intake in the flight medicine program. Exercise must be considered an integral part of any plan to maintain nutritional status, especially those modes that stress the skeleton and maintain body weight. Nutrient intake, amount of exercise, and drugs ingested must be recorded daily; high priority should be given to development of fully automated record systems that minimize astronauts' effort. A system of nutritional supplements should be developed to provide a method for reducing intake deficits that become apparent. Finally, post flight monitoring should include bone density, muscle mass and function, and iron status at three and six months after landing.

Lane, Helen W.↗

Monthly progress report

This report is the mid-year report intended for the design concepts for the communication network for the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) facility being built at Yellow Creek near Iuka, MS. The overall network is to include heterogeneous computers, to use various protocols, and to have different bandwidths. Performance consideration must be given to the potential network applications in the network environment. The performance evaluation of X window applications was given the major emphasis in this report. A simulation study using Bones will be included later. This mid-year report has three parts: Part 1 is an investigation of X window traffic using TCP/IP over Ethernet networks; part 2 is a survey study of performance concepts of X window applications with Macintosh computers; and the last part is a tutorial on DECnet protocols. The results of this report should be useful in the design and operation of the ASRM communication network.

Moorhead, Robert J., II↗