Study targets fainting astronauts
Canadian scientists are studying data collected from tests on astronauts returning from the International Space Station to better understand so-called ‘fainting astronaut’ syndrome.
The researchers, including SFU kinesiologist Andrew Blaber, hope their work will also have medical applications for elderly people who experience fainting spells that can lead to falls.
Blaber was among researchers waiting at the Edwards Air Force Base in California when the space shuttle was diverted to land there last week.
Moments after watching the shuttle land, Blaber, in charge of the back-up team, collected critical blood pressure and blood flow readings from astronaut Tim Kopra. Similar data was gathered on the astronaut prior to and during flight.
“There is still much we are trying to learn about how long durations in space affect the human body,” says Blaber, who has also worked with U.S. astronaut Clay Anderson.
Researchers are tracking the effects of long-duration space flight on crew members’ heart functions and the blood vessels that supply the brain.
“We hope to produce countermeasures that enable astronauts to maintain sufficient blood pressure after their long duration missions, and improve the safety of future astronauts.”
The University of Waterloo is leading the study in collaboration with NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and a team of other university researchers.
Since 2007, astronauts from a number of missions have participated in experiments in space to further the study. Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk, who is still at the space station, is among participants.
Blaber says nearly 80 per cent of astronauts experience the phenomenon of the ‘fainting astronaut.’
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