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Centrifugation as a countermeasure during actual and simulated microgravity: a review

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Abstract

This paper summarizes what has been learned from studies of the effects of artificial gravity generated by centrifugation in actual and simulated weightless conditions. The experience of artificial gravity during actual space flight in animals and humans are discussed. Studies using intermittent centrifugation during bed rest and water immersion, as a way to maintain orthostatic tolerance and exercise capacity, are reviewed; their results indicate that intermittent centrifugation is a potential countermeasure for maintaining the integrity of these physiological functions in extended space missions. These results can help set guidelines for future experiments aimed at validating the regimes of centrifugation as a countermeasure for space missions. Current and future research projects using artificial gravity conditions in humans are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge definition funding provided by the ESA, which is considering our proposal to study the effects of short-arm centrifugation during bed rest.

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  1. Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Faculté de Médecine de Rangueil, UMR 5549 CNRS/Université Paul Sabatier, 133 Route de Narbonne, 31062 , Toulouse, Cedex, France

    G. Clément

  2. MEDES, Institut de Médecine et Physiologie Spatiales, CHU de Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, 31054 , Toulouse , Cedex, France

    A. Pavy-Le Traon

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Clément, G., Pavy-Le Traon, A. Centrifugation as a countermeasure during actual and simulated microgravity: a review. Eur J Appl Physiol 92, 235–248 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1118-1

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