Evolution of Russian Microgravity Countermeasures

Abstract

Countermeasures to prevent or partially offset the negative physiologic changes that are caused by the effects of microgravity play an important role in supporting the performance of crewmembers in flight and their safe return to Earth. Research conducted in Russia on the orbital stations Salyut and Mir, as well as simulation experiments on the ground, have demonstrated that changes that occur during extended spaceflight in various physiologic systems can be prevented or significantly decreased by using countermeasures. Hardware and techniques used on the ISS have been substantially improved to reflect the experience of previous extended missions on Russian orbital stations. Countermeasures used during early ISS missions consisted of the U.S. treadmill (TVIS), cycle ergometer (ВБ-3), a set of resistance bands, a postural muscle loading suit (Penguin-3), electrical stimulator (Tonus-3), compression thigh cuffs (Braslet-М), a lower body negative pressure (LBNP) suit (Chibis), a lower body g-loading suit (Kentavr), and water/salt supplements. These countermeasures are described in this article.

Physiological and Functional Alterations after Spaceflight and Bed Rest

“…In addition, our results also point to the importance of supplementing the inflight exercises that can help improve coordination, balance and mobility functions to help maintain functional performance postflight. The proprioceptive system is a viable countermeasure target given current spaceflight constraints ( 11 , 37 , 78 , 95 – 98 ). Further, results from recent neurophysiological studies indicate that when vestibular information becomes unreliable, supplemental information like proprioception is up-weighted to maintain control of posture and locomotion ( 81 , 82 ).…”

Muscle unloading: A comparison between spaceflight and ground‐based models

“…On the other hand, Russian operating segment use modified treadmill and cycle ergometer equipped with a force loader (HC)‐1 for endurance and resistance exercises. This equipment is complemented with compression thigh cuffs, suits for lower body compression and axial loading and negative pressure trousers . However, despite significant investment in resources and time, these countermeasures only partially protect against muscle atrophy and weakness associated with long‐duration ISS missions.…”

“…This equipment is complemented with compression thigh cuffs, suits for lower body compression and axial loading and negative pressure trousers. 227 However, despite significant investment in resources and time, these countermeasures only partially protect against muscle atrophy and weakness associated with long-duration ISS missions. For example, 6 months of high intensity resistance and endurance exercises aboard ISS were insufficient to completely mitigate the weakness and atrophy of the plantar flexor muscles at whole muscle and single fibre levels.…”

The Mobile Lower Body Negative Pressure Gravity Suit for Long-Duration Spaceflight

“…Additionally, the chamber is completely static and requires the user to remain inside for extended periods of time. Currently, the Roscosmos (Russian Space Agency) has its own LBNP countermeasure device in the ISS, called the Chibis ( Yarmanova et al, 2015 ). This countermeasure device has no mobility, requiring the user to always be connected to a stationary vacuum and wall-mounted power supply ( Yarmanova et al, 2015 ).…”

“…Currently, the Roscosmos (Russian Space Agency) has its own LBNP countermeasure device in the ISS, called the Chibis ( Yarmanova et al, 2015 ). This countermeasure device has no mobility, requiring the user to always be connected to a stationary vacuum and wall-mounted power supply ( Yarmanova et al, 2015 ). Nearing the end of their flight missions, cosmonauts use the Chibis to apply a stress onto their cardiovascular system.…”