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Arterial Stiffness Alterations in Simulated Microgravity and Reactive Sledge as a Countermeasure

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Abstract

Introduction

Experiments during spaceflight and simulated microgravity as head-down tilt bedrest, demonstrated the role of arterial stiffness among others, in microgravity induced cardiovascular pathologies and emphasized the need for a robust countermeasure.

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of a new countermeasure, consisting of a high intensity Reactive Sledge (RSL) jumps training protocol, to counteract changes in arterial stiffness during long term head down tilt bedrest (LTBR).

Methods

The participants enrolled in the study were 23 male, healthy volunteers, aged between 20 and 45 years, subjected to LTBR for 60 days and randomly assigned either to a control (11) or to a training sledge (12) group using RSL 3–4 times per week, as a countermeasure. Recorded values were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and the user’s arterial stiffness index.

Results

Compared to baseline measurements, there was a deterioration in the values of arterial stiffness, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, in both groups until day 35 of LTBR, interpreted as adaptation to the microgravity environment. From this day until the end of the experiment, arterial stiffness of the control group was constantly fluctuating, while constantly improving for the training group. During the recovery period, arterial stiffness values returned to the pre-experimental levels in both groups.

Conclusions

Overall, arterial stiffness increased the longer the time spent in LTBR and the countermeasure was partially effective in preventing the observed phenomenon.

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00012946, September 18, 2017, retrospectively registered

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Agisilaos Krachtis and Aliki Karkala equally contributed to the study and shared first authorship.

  2. Felice Strollo and Chrysoula Kourtidou-Papadeli share senior authorship.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Greek Aerospace Medical Association and Space Research (GASMA-SR), Ethnikis Antistasis 44, Kalamaria, 5513, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Agisilaos Krachtis, Aliki Karkala & Chrysoula Kourtidou-Papadeli

  2. Biomedical Engineering and Aerospace Neuroscience (BEAN), Laboratory of Medical Physics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Christos A. Frantzidis, Polyxeni T. Gkivogkli & Chrysoula Kourtidou-Papadeli

  3. CITY College, International Faculty of the University of Sheffield, South East European Research Centre (SEERC), Proxenou Koromila 24, 54622, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Aristea I. Ladas

  4. Elle-Di and San Raffaele Research Institute, Via degli Scipioni 175, 00192, Rome, Italy

    Felice Strollo

Authors
  1. Agisilaos Krachtis
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  2. Aliki Karkala
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  3. Christos A. Frantzidis
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  4. Polyxeni T. Gkivogkli
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  5. Aristea I. Ladas
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  6. Felice Strollo
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  7. Chrysoula Kourtidou-Papadeli
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chrysoula Kourtidou-Papadeli.

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Funding

This bed rest study was funded by the European Space Agency (4000113871-15-NL). The construction of the sledge jump system was also funded by the European Space Agency (ESA Life Sciences Program TEC/MMG/2006/82).

Conflict of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Ethics approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the ethics committee of the Northern Rhine Medical Association (Arztekammer Nordrhein) in Duesseldorf, Germany, and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz).

Consent to participate

After being fully informed of procedures and aims of the study, all participants signed a written informed consent, valid for all the experimental aspects of the study.

Availability of data and materials

Data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the corresponding author upon request.

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Krachtis, A., Karkala, A., Frantzidis, C.A. et al. Arterial Stiffness Alterations in Simulated Microgravity and Reactive Sledge as a Countermeasure. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 29, 65–74 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-021-00486-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-021-00486-2

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