These fluid shifts may be related to a phenomenon known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome , which can cause astronauts to experience changes in eye shape and other ocular symptoms.
"When we experience microgravity conditions, we see changes in the cardiovascular system because gravity is not pulling down all these fluids as it typically does on Earth when we are in an upright position," said Diaz Artiles, an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and a Williams Brothers Construction Company Faculty Fellow.
While the role of ocular perfusion pressure in the development of SANS remains undetermined, Diaz Artiles and her team hypothesized that microgravity exposure could lead to a slight but chronic elevation in OPP, which may have a role in the development of SANS. The results of the recently published study showed that lower body negative pressure, while effective in inducing fluid shift toward the lower body, was not an effective method for reducing OPP.