TESTING AND EXPANSION

Results, Limitations, and Extension

TESTING METHODS

To measure our subject's intracranial pressure (ICP), we incorporated the Cochlear Cerebral Fluid Pressure System (CCFP). This is a non-invasive approach in measuring the pressure of fluid accumulated in the skull. The CCFP's ear probe will generate a "beeping" sound to produce a reflex inside the ear. This will then measure the volume displacement of the tympanic membrane, which has been found to relate to the overall ICP.

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PILOT TRIAL: INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE REDUCTION

Here our data illustrates our CCFP values with varied body positions and varied application of LBNP. ICP data follows a logical trend: the standing subject has minimal ICP, with slightly more when supine, and even more when tilted at -15 degrees. This is comparable to the fluid shift what an astronaut would experience. As more negative pressure is applied, from -10mmHg to -25mmHg, ICP decreases steadily. These preliminary results conclude that that our mobile LBNP suit does, in fact, gradually redirect blood flow back to the feet.

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LBNP VS. VOLTAGE EFFICIENCY GRAPH

Graph of LBNP generated in the suit in proportion to the percentage of total vacuum output required. The data proves that the pants are comparable to currently used chambers that generate LBNP without overtaxing the vacuum system.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

•Implement vacuum of reduced size and weight to improve mobility and ease of use.
•Program an automatic shut-off system for the vacuum, once maximum pressure (-50 mmHg) is reached.
that is connected to the automatic vacuum shut-off system.
•Energy consumption analysis should be done on the device, considering that reduced energy usage is critical for long-duration spaceflight.

Neeki Ashari was the editor of this page.