Space Physiology

by Jay C. Buckey Jr., M.D.

Overview

The success of any space flight mission depends not only on advanced technology but also on the health and well-being of crew members. This book, written by an astronaut physician, is the first practical guide to maintaining crew members health in space. It combines research results with practical advice on such problems as bone loss, kidney stones, muscle wasting, motion sickness, loss of balance, orthostatic intolerance, weight loss, and excessive radiation exposure. Additional topics include pre-flight preparation, relevant gender differences, long-duration medical planning, post-flight rehabilitation, and the physiology of extra-vehicular activity. Designed as a handbook for space crews, this text is also an invaluable tool for all the engineers, medical personnel, and scientists who plan and execute space missions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190208493
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/09/2006
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Jay C. Buckey, Jr., M.D. is Associate Professor of Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, and Team Lead, Technology Development Team, National Space Biomedical Research Institute. He was a payload specialist astronaut on the STS-90, Neurolab Space Shuttle mission.

Table of Contents

Bone Loss: Dealing with Calcium and Bone Loss in Space     3
Introduction     4
Space-related Bone Loss     11
Countermeasures for Space-related Bone Loss     14
Monitoring Space-related Bone Loss     22
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     24
References     26
Psychosocial Support: Maintaining an Effective Team     33
Introduction     34
Psychosocial Issues Relevant to Spaceflight     34
Approaches to Psychosocial Issues     30
Countermeasures for Psychosocial Problems in Space     45
Monitoring Psychological Well-being     48
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     49
References     50
Radiation Hazards: Establishing a Safe Level     53
Introduction     54
Radiation Concepts and Terms     54
Radiation Biology Relevant to Spaceflight     60
Radiation Hazards on Long-Duration Flights     67
Countermeasures for Radiation Hazards     68
Monitoring Radiation Exposure     72
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     73
References     74
Muscle Loss: A Practical Approach to Maintaining Strength     77
Introduction     78
Muscle Physiology Relevant to Spaceflight     78
Approaches to Muscle Loss in Space     88
Monitoring Muscle Loss and Strength     93
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     95
References     96
Extravehicular Activity: Performing EVA Safely     101
Introduction     102
EVA Physiology     102
Countermeasures for EVA-related Problems     112
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     115
References     116
Balance: Neurovestibular Effects of Spaceflight and Their Operational Consequences     119
Introduction     120
The Control of Balance     120
Changes in the Balance System Produced by Spaceflight     127
Approaches to Balance System Changes after Spaceflight     132
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     135
References     136
Cardiovascular Changes: Atrophy, Arrhythmias, and Orthostatic Intolerance     139
Introduction     140
Cardiovascular Physiology Relevant to Spaceflight     140
Effect of Spaceflight on the Cardiovascular System     150
Approaches to Cardiovascular Changes in Space      154
Monitoring Cardiovascular Changes     160
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     162
References     163
Nutrition: Maintaining Body Mass and Preventing Disease     169
Introduction     170
Nutritional Issues of Concern for Spaceflight     170
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     182
References     183
Motion Sickness in Space: Prevention and Treatment     187
Introduction     188
The Physiology of Motion Sickness     188
Countermeasures for Motion Sickness in Space     196
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     202
References     203
Gender: Identifying and Managing the Relevant Differences     207
Introduction     208
Gender Differences of Concern for Spaceflight     208
Single- versus Mixed-Gender Crews     217
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     218
References     219
Preflight Preparation and Postflight Recovery: Preparation and Rehabilitation     223
Introduction     224
Preparation and Rehabilitation     224
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     235
References      236
Long-Duration Flight Medical Planning: Medical Care on the Way to the Moon and Mars     239
Introduction     240
Medical Risks on Long-Duration Space Missions     240
Prevention Strategies     251
Intervention Strategies     256
Recommendations Based on Current Knowledge     261
References     263
Index     267

Editorial Reviews

"This book gives an outstanding, comprehensive, accurate, and factual depiction of the alterations to human systems that are associated with space flight. The predicates and data in the book are amply supported by extensive references. Dr. Buckeys recommendations at the end of each chapter are a blueprint for evidence-based solutions to mitigate the major adverse effects that crews face in the hostile environment of Space. The book is a valuable reference and a must read for anyone who works in the Space Medicine domain."——Bobby R. Alford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Space Biomedical Research Institute

"This outstanding book contains in succinct and clear language what we know today about the physiological aberrations that affect astronauts and others who venture into space...The author eloquently integrates this eclectic information into one volume, affording readers a reasonable understanding of the medical and physiological hazards of space flight. He tells us what we know, what we don't know, and what direction we must take."—JAMA

"The book is short and concise, yet very imformative. The author writes and explains the current issues with exceptional clarity making this book as easy read. In each chapter, adequate background is presented that allows the reader to follow along and understand previous research and the author's recommendations...This book fills a void for the need of having a comprehensive reference for the physiological and medical impacts of human spaceflight on human health, safety and performance."—American Physiological Society

"...a superb synopsis of the effects of spaceflight on human physiology, function, and well-being. This book, both comprehensive and informative, is written with exceptional clarity, making it an easy read. Dr. Buckey makes knowledgeable suggestions for future research directions...for novices and experts in the field."—Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine

From the Publisher