Objective Orthostatic intolerance remains a problem upon return to Earth from the microgravity environment of spaceflight. To improve astronaut's countermeasure programs, a better understanding of the response of the cardiovascular system to changes in hydrostatic pressure is crucial. My objective is to assess the regulatory mechanisms of the microcirculation in response to hydrostatic pressure by combining in vivo experiments and 1D blood pressure wave propagation model. At the Aerospace Physiology Laboratory of SFU, I will perform in vivo experiments using a tilt table and a Low Body Negative Pressure set-up to generate a step and linear increases in the hydrostatic pressure. Quadratic increases in hydrostatic pressure will be generated with a Short Arm Human Centrifuge at the Space Physiology division of the DLR. Combining these three protocols will allow me to differentiate responses to abnormal hydrostatic loads (step and quadratic increases) from a linear gradient in hydrostatic pressure normally felt on earth. High resolution ultrasound imaging techniques will be used to measure hemodynamical parameters of large vessels. Concurrently, the theoritical effects of hydrostatic pressure will be implemented in a 1D wave propagation model of blood flow and pressure to simulate the cardiovascular response to the in vivo protocols described above. Furthermore, a fitting process between in-vivo data and simulated data will provide physiological parameters describing the specific vasoconstriction responses of the peripheral bed to the different hydrostqtic loads. The results of this project will bring new insights into the response of the cardiovascular system to changes in hydrostatic pressure which are essential to improve astronaut's training programs and resolve crucial issues in hypotension and peripheral vascular diseases. This project will enable me to make an important step towards my career objective to become an established researcher in the field of space physiology. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsfluid staticsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineperipheral vascular disease Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF - Marie Curie Action: "International Outgoing Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IOF - International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) Coordinator DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV Address Linder hohe 51147 Koln Germany See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Köln, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Uliana Eckler (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
