Molecular and Physiologic Dynamics in Humans Undergoing 22-Hours of Constant Gravitational Loading above 1G on Earth

Location: NASA Ames Research Center, 20G Human Centrifuge

Investigators: Cohen, M, Cowings, P, De Roshia, C, Toscano, WB, Schmidt, MA 

Metabolomics Lead: Schmidt, MA

This study was set up to measure the effects of 22 hours of continual gravitational loading on NASA’s large-radius 20G centrifuge in four adult male participants (age 20-34).  (Figure 1)

Four healthy adult men, 20 to 34 years old, served as participants in this study. Participants were tested during prolonged (22 hour) exposures in the centrifuge at constant gravitational loads of 1.0 (base-line), 1.25 and 1.5g. These tests were conducted at 7-day intervals in Cab B of the centrifuge, which contained a bed, collapsible toilet, storage area for food and water, a television and a laptop computer. Orthostatic tolerance during prolonged exposures was evaluated using a ‘stand test’ protocol: 3 minutes supine, 3 minutes sitting, and 3 minutes standing.  Stand tests, a cognitive performance test battery, and self-reports of mood and symptoms were measured at 2- to 4-hour intervals, during prolonged exposures. +Gz tolerance tests (0.067 g/second) were conducted in Cab A, before and after each 22-hour prolonged exposure. Physiological data were collected continuously during the prolonged exposures and g-tolerance.  Urine samples were collected at regular intervals and were used to perform targeted metabolomics.

The specific study objectives were:

  1. To determine if humans can function for prolonged periods of time (22 hours) in hypergravity; and
  2. To provide an enhanced understanding of changes in orthostatic tolerance during prolonged exposures.
  3. A future objective would be to determine if humans could perform emergency and other technical procedures, while under constant gravitational loads above 1g.

See Summary of Hypergravity Effects Below.

Figure 1. A) Entrance to the NASA 20G Human Centrifuge Building; B) Control panel for the 20G centrifuge; C) NASA 20G Long-Radius Centrifuge (Image Credit: NASA)

 

Figure 2. A) NASA 20G Long-Radius Centrifuge: Cab A for Prolonged Gravitational Loading; B) NASA 20G Long-Radius Centrifuge: Interior of Cab B for G-Tolerance Test (+Gz) Axis ; C) Supine Period Inside Cab A During 22 Hour Prolonged Gravitational Loading; D) Sitting Computer Tests Inside Cab A During 22 Hour Prolonged Gravitational Loading   (Image Credits: NASA)

 

Summary of Effects of 22 Hours of Continuous Hypergravity

  • Prolonged hyper‐gravity exposures can induce motion sickness, physical inactivity, fatigue, and susceptibility to orthostatic intolerance.
  • One subject experienced severe motion sickness at 1.5 g after 14 hours exposure, but was able to maintain orthostasis. Physiological response magnitudes to orthostatic stress progressively increased from 1.0G to 1.5G.
  • This subject (at 1.5 g) demonstrated a significant rise followed by a precipitous fall in 8-epi-PGF2α (F2 isoprostane), which was associated with vomiting. 8-epi-PGF2α is a smooth muscle agonist (an enantiomer of the known smooth muscle agonist PGF2α) and is produced under conditions of oxidative stress.  8-epi-PGF2α formation may contribute to GI motility and symptoms of motion intolerance.
  • One subject experienced syncope at 1.25 g after 14 hours exposure. Physiological response magnitudes to orthostatic stress showed only slight increases from 1.0G to 1.25G.
  • Performance proficiency and mood were maintained, during prolonged exposures except for the affective mood states which showed a progressive deterioration at 1.25G.
  • One subject showed progressive deterioration in mood and performance from 1.0G to 1.5G.
  • Most mood and performance metrics showed the expected circadian rhythm modulation with minima at midnight.