Fluid shifts in weightlessness

Abstract

Studies of leg volumes in space by multiple girth measurements showed reductions of 1.9 L (12.8% of leg volume) with 1.1 L from the non-dominant leg on Skylab 4. On landing, 65% of postflight leg volume increase was complete at 1.5 h. Measurement of the dominant leg during the equivalent period on Shuttle showed a mean loss of 0.9 L which was 90% complete at 150 min. Postflight increases were 87% complete at 1.5 h postlanding. Mass measurements during and after Skylab 4 showed a loss of 2.5 kg over the first 4 d on-orbit with a gain of 2.7 kg over the first 4 d of recovery. These changes are assumed to be tissue fluids secondary to changes in hydrostatic pressures and are much greater than those seen in bed rest. Rate and magnitude of inflight and postflight changes have significant operational impact.