Human Research Program Flight Thigh Cuff

Launched by NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) · Jun 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a device called Venoconstrictive Thigh Cuffs (VTC), which are designed to help manage the movement of fluids in the body when astronauts are in a weightless environment, like in space. When astronauts are in space for long periods, fluid tends to shift towards their heads, which can cause discomfort and other issues. The goal of this trial is to see if wearing these cuffs can help reverse that fluid shift and improve astronauts' well-being.

To participate, individuals must be astronauts going on missions that last at least two months. However, those with certain health concerns, such as allergies to specific medications or a higher risk of blood clots, will not be eligible. Participants will have a couple of sessions before their flight to get fitted for the cuffs and gather initial data, and then they will take part in three study sessions during their mission, which will include wearing the cuffs and being monitored for several hours afterward. This research could pave the way for better health management for astronauts in space.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Astronauts participating in missions that are ≥2 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Having known allergies to proparacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution precludes participation in this study
• • Use of ethinyl estradiol Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) pills precludes participation in this study
• • Having increased risk of venothromboembolism (VTE) based on preflight thrombosis/clotting related biomarkers precludes participation in this study