CPMM study (2012)

When astronauts return to Earth after space flights of various durations, they frequently encounter symptoms such as dizziness when they change position; for example when moving from a sitting to a standing position, going from lying down to standing, or even when they remain in a standing position for long periods. This is known as orthostatic intolerance. It can be explained by a loss of the cardiovascular system’s ability to maintain a sufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. Symptoms can range from dizziness through to loss of consciousness.

Study objectives

In order to better assess these phenomena at arterial level under very specific conditions (microgravity, clinical simulation studies, parabolic flights, etc.), the European Space Agency decided to develop different devices aiming to better understand and analyse the physiological mechanisms involved in these symptoms. In this regard, and working closely with scientists from the University of Ghent, the Belgian company Verhaert is developing a device that combines the principles of tonometry and Doppler ultrasound to measure different parameters that characterise the physiological condition of the arteries. In particular, this device should measure blood pressure at various sites, arterial diameter, ejection time and pulse wave velocity, all in a completely non-invasive manner.