Abstract
Time-dependent responses of blood flow in astronauts after return to Earth were investigated. Five male astronauts who stayed in an international space station for long periods (115–199 days) were enrolled in this study. A probe for the measurement of blood flow was attached to the skin surface on the central region of the gastrocnemius muscle of the right lower limb while the subjects were standing. The blood flow before long space stay and during recovery after return to Earth, i.e., at preflight, postflight day 1, postflight day 7, postflight month 1, and postflight month 3, was measured with a laser blood flow meter. Each subject stepped five times on the same spot at their own speed in standing position. Blood flow at both the first and fifth steps was decreased at postflight days 1 and 7. However, at postflight month 1, blood flow at both the first and fifth steps had recovered to normal levels (i.e., level before long space stay). We conclude that the decrease in blood flow induced by long space stay from 3 to 6 months recovers 1 month after return to Earth.
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