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Project Title:  Determining the Dose Response Profile of the Headward Fluid Shift during Varying Gravity Levels Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2025 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 03/01/2021  
End Date: 06/30/2024  
Task Last Updated: 02/10/2025 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Lee, Stuart M.C. Ph.D. / KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  2400 NASA Parkway 
 
Houston , TX 77058-2749 		 Email: stuart.lee-1@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-3726  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Martin, David  M.S. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Young, Millennia  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Besnard, Stephane  M.D., Ph.D. University Hospital of Caen, France 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: Dr. Karina Marshall-Goebel has moved on to another position at NASA Johnson Space Center and is no longer actively involved in this study.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14418  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Flight,Ground 
Flight Program: Parabolic 
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 0 
No. of PhD Candidates: 1 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 0 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Cardiovascular:Risk of Cardiovascular Adaptations Contributing to Adverse Mission Performance and Health Outcomes
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) CV-101:Determine whether long-duration weightlessness and/or reduced gravity induces cardiovascular structural and functional adaptations that contribute to an increased risk of a cardiovascular event or and disease.
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 06/30/2024 per C. Ribeiro/HHC (Ed., 10/5/23).

Task Description: Long-duration stays in weightlessness have resulted in changes in the function and structure of the eye in some astronauts which has been described as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The leading hypothesis is that ocular changes associated with SANS result from chronic exposure to the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift. The resulting venous congestion in the upper body may impair cerebrospinal and lymphatic fluid drainage from the skull and contribute to some of the changes in the eye. Further, venous stasis may develop in some astronauts, increasing the risk of a venous thrombus. Countermeasures that reverse the headward fluid shift during spaceflight such as centrifugation or lower body negative pressure have been proposed as means to relieve venous congestion associated with weightlessness and thus may mitigate the risk of SANS, venous thrombosis, and other spaceflight-induced cardiovascular adaptations. However, the amount of fluid shift reversal required to prevent SANS, venous thrombosis, and cardiovascular adaptations is unresolved. Parabolic flight provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the acute changes in the headward fluid shift within the venous compartment induced by varying levels of gravity during partial gravity and weightlessness.

The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial gravity levels (G-levels) similar to extraterrestrial levels (Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this partial gravity parabolic campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and internal jugular vein (IJV) dimensions, pressure, and flow. Furthermore, investigating IJV hemodynamics bilaterally and studying the IJV in these subjects during parabolas producing weightlessness will better inform NASA regarding the risk of SANS and venous thrombosis and aid in the development of appropriate countermeasures.

Specific Aims

1. Determine the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters associated with a headward fluid shift, including IJV pressure, flow pattern, and cross-sectional area.

2. Determine if the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters is different between the left and right sides of the body.

3. Determine whether the supine posture in normal gravity produces similar internal jugular vein hemodynamics as occurs in acute weightlessness.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This work was recommended by the Human Health Countermeasures (HHC) element to be performed as a directed study (a) to fulfill the partial gravity flight campaign human data collection objectives outlined in the previously-selected NASA Research Announcement (NRA; NNJ15ZSA001N-AG); (b) to provide the necessary data to accelerate HHC Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) risk reduction; and (c) to provide the necessary headward fluid shift data to help inform requirements for future lunar (Artemis Program) and Mars exploration. This proposed task will allow Human Research Program (HRP) to take advantage of a planned European Space Agency (ESA)-sponsored partial gravity parabolic flight opportunity in Spring or Summer of 2022. Furthermore, utilizing the same study design and outcome measures as the first campaign will ensure data consistency, enable us to leverage previously-developed human research documentation, hardware, and engineering analyses required by the parabolic flight provider (cost efficiency).

When our first study was selected as part of a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) (NNJ15ZSA001N-AG), the power analysis indicated that data should be collected from 15 subjects. However, the ESA parabolic flight plan limited data collection to 9 subjects. Due to technical constraints and reduced operator support in the first campaign, internal jugular vein (IJV) area was obtained in only 8 of 9 subjects and IJV pressure only in 3 subjects at the lower G-levels. Thus, collecting data from 9 additional subjects as outlined here will allow us to fully explore the threshold G-level required to prevent venous congestion (IJV area and pressure) and altered flow patterns. In addition, this will allow us to assess the effects of right vs. left IJV anatomy on IJV dimension, pressure, and flow to varying G-levels, which has not been previously explored and may be key in assessing SANS and thrombosis risks. Finally, the previous partial gravity parabolic flight campaign did not include parabolas producing weightlessness, and thus the previous dose-response curves describing the relationship between G-level and IJV area required the assumption that IJV dimensions in the supine posture was a suitable analog. With the addition of weightlessness parabolas in a new campaign, this approach will be validated. Data from this project also will complement the weightless parabolic flight study recently funded for our laboratory (Characterization of Jugular Venous Blood Flow during Acute Fluid Shifts, Principal Investigator: Karina Marshall-Goebel, Ph.D., 80JSC019N0001-OMNIBUS - HERO Appendix B: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity).

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial G-levels (similar to those on the Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism, and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this parabolic flight campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and IJV dimensions, pressure, and flow and inform countermeasure development.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2025 
Task Progress: In the final year of the study, the team achieved several key milestones. First, the team presented preliminary results at the Human Research Program (HRP) Investigators’ Workshop (IWS) meeting in February 2024. Second, the team completed final data reduction and analysis, including an internal data quality control process, and the final data set was delivered to the Life Sciences Data Archive. Third, the team drafted a manuscript for publication in a peer-review scientific journal (target journal: Journal of Applied Physiology). The project has been completed.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/20/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lee SMC, Pavela J, Martin DS, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Lytle JR, Laurie SS, Macias BR. "Venous thrombosis concern during spaceflight." European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) Biennial Symposium and General Assembly, Liverpool, United Kingdom, September 2-6, 2024.

Abstracts. European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) Biennial Symposium and General Assembly, Liverpool, United Kingdom, September 2-6, 2024. , Sep-2024

Articles in Other Journals or Periodicals Lytle JR, Miller AE, Martin DS, Miller CA, Young M, Laurie SS, Macias BR, Lee SMC. "Jugular venous flow dynamics during acute weightlessness and partial gravity simulated by parabolic flight." J Appl Physiol, in review as of January 2025. , Jun-2025
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Laurie SS, Lytle JR, Pickering SK, Poczatek MJ, Lee SMC, Pardon LP, Miller AE, Martin DS, Mulder E, Moestl S, Pesta D, Frett T, Stern C, Tank J, Hoenemann JN, Sadda S, Karanjia R, Marshall-Goebel K, Young M, Cole CW, Huang AS, Macias BR. "Daily use of countermeasures to prevent headward fluid shifts throughout 30 days of strict head-down tilt bedrest." J Appl Physiol. 2025 Jul 1. Online ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00635.2024 ; PMID: 40590841 , Jul-2025
Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Determining the Dose Response Profile of the Headward Fluid Shift during Varying Gravity Levels Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2024 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 03/01/2021  
End Date: 06/30/2024  
Task Last Updated: 01/02/2024 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Lee, Stuart M.C. Ph.D. / KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  2400 NASA Parkway 
 
Houston , TX 77058-2749 		 Email: stuart.lee-1@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-3726  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Martin, David  M.S. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Young, Millennia  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Besnard, Stephane  M.D., Ph.D. University Hospital of Caen, France 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: Dr. Karina Marshall-Goebel has moved on to another position at NASA Johnson Space Center and is no longer actively involved in this study.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14418  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 0 
No. of PhD Candidates: 1 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 0 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Cardiovascular:Risk of Cardiovascular Adaptations Contributing to Adverse Mission Performance and Health Outcomes
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) CV-101:Determine whether long-duration weightlessness and/or reduced gravity induces cardiovascular structural and functional adaptations that contribute to an increased risk of a cardiovascular event or and disease.
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 06/30/2024 per C. Ribeiro/HHC (Ed., 10/5/23).

Task Description: Long-duration stays in weightlessness have resulted in changes in the function and structure of the eye in some astronauts which has been described as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The leading hypothesis is that ocular changes associated with SANS result from chronic exposure to the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift. The resulting venous congestion in the upper body may impair cerebrospinal and lymphatic fluid drainage from the skull and contribute to some of the changes in the eye. Further, venous stasis may develop in some astronauts, increasing the risk of a venous thrombus. Countermeasures that reverse the headward fluid shift during spaceflight such as centrifugation or lower body negative pressure have been proposed as means to relieve venous congestion associated with weightlessness and thus may mitigate the risk of SANS, venous thrombosis, and other spaceflight-induced cardiovascular adaptations. However, the amount of fluid shift reversal required to prevent SANS, venous thrombosis, and cardiovascular adaptations is unresolved. Parabolic flight provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the acute changes in the headward fluid shift within the venous compartment induced by varying levels of gravity during partial gravity and weightlessness.

The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial gravity levels (G-levels) similar to extraterrestrial levels (Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this partial gravity parabolic campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and internal jugular vein (IJV) dimensions, pressure, and flow. Furthermore, investigating IJV hemodynamics bilaterally and studying the IJV in these subjects during parabolas producing weightlessness will better inform NASA regarding the risk of SANS and venous thrombosis and aid in the development of appropriate countermeasures.

Specific Aims

1. Determine the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters associated with a headward fluid shift, including IJV pressure, flow pattern, and cross-sectional area.

2. Determine if the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters is different between the left and right sides of the body.

3. Determine whether the supine posture in normal gravity produces similar internal jugular vein hemodynamics as occurs in acute weightlessness.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This work was recommended by the Human Health Countermeasures (HHC) element to be performed as a directed study (a) to fulfill the partial gravity flight campaign human data collection objectives outlined in the previously-selected NASA Research Announcement (NRA; NNJ15ZSA001N-AG); (b) to provide the necessary data to accelerate HHC Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) risk reduction; and (c) to provide the necessary headward fluid shift data to help inform requirements for future lunar (Artemis Program) and Mars exploration. This proposed task will allow Human Research Program (HRP) to take advantage of a planned European Space Agency (ESA)-sponsored partial gravity parabolic flight opportunity in Spring or Summer of 2022. Furthermore, utilizing the same study design and outcome measures as the first campaign will ensure data consistency, enable us to leverage previously-developed human research documentation, hardware, and engineering analyses required by the parabolic flight provider (cost efficiency).

When our first study was selected as part of a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) (NNJ15ZSA001N-AG), the power analysis indicated that data should be collected from 15 subjects. However, the ESA parabolic flight plan limited data collection to 9 subjects. Due to technical constraints and reduced operator support in the first campaign, internal jugular vein (IJV) area was obtained in only 8 of 9 subjects and IJV pressure only in 3 subjects at the lower G-levels. Thus, collecting data from 9 additional subjects as outlined here will allow us to fully explore the threshold G-level required to prevent venous congestion (IJV area and pressure) and altered flow patterns. In addition, this will allow us to assess the effects of right vs. left IJV anatomy on IJV dimension, pressure, and flow to varying G-levels, which has not been previously explored and may be key in assessing SANS and thrombosis risks. Finally, the previous partial gravity parabolic flight campaign did not include parabolas producing weightlessness, and thus the previous dose-response curves describing the relationship between G-level and IJV area required the assumption that IJV dimensions in the supine posture was a suitable analog. With the addition of weightlessness parabolas in a new campaign, this approach will be validated. Data from this project also will complement the weightless parabolic flight study recently funded for our laboratory (Characterization of Jugular Venous Blood Flow during Acute Fluid Shifts, Principal Investigator: Karina Marshall-Goebel, Ph.D., 80JSC019N0001-OMNIBUS - HERO Appendix B: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity).

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial G-levels (similar to those on the Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism, and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this parabolic flight campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and IJV dimensions, pressure, and flow and inform countermeasure development.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2024 
Task Progress: In the second year of the study, the team achieved several key milestones. First, the team submitted and received approval from the NASA Institutional Review Board and the French National Comité de Protection des Personnes (NCPP). Second, the team designed and constructed the workstations, while finalizing the Experiment Safety Data Package (ESDP). In consultation with Novespace, the team redesigned the workstations to facilitate imaging of the internal jugular veins bilaterally while improving ergonomics for the sonographer to reach both sides of the subject’s neck and the keyboard on the ultrasound device simultaneously. Third, the team trained the operators for data collection, prepared hardware for shipment to and from Novespace, and participated in the Flight Readiness Review both at NASA Johnson Space Center and at Novespace. Then, the team collected data on nine subjects before and during parabolic flight simulating weightlessness and partial gravity (June 2023). Ultrasound images and other data were stored and catalogued. Data and image processing software (MatLab) was developed and tested, and data analysis is proceeding. The team intends to complete processing in time to present preliminary results at the Human Research Program (HRP) Investigators’ Workshop (IWS) meeting in February 2024, with a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal to follow.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/20/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lee SMC, Miller CA, Martin DS, Lytle J, Laurie SS, Ferguson C, Miller A, Everson A, Young M, Macias BR. "Determining dose response profile of the headward fluid shift during varying gravity levels." NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, TX, February 13-16, 2024.

Abstracts. NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, TX, February 13-16, 2024. , Feb-2024

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Abbott RF, Miller AE, Martin DS, Miller CA, Lytle JR, Laurie SS, Lee SMC, Diaz-Artiles A, Macias BR. "Semi-automatic extraction of internal jugular vein pressure using sonography compression." NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, TX, February 13-16, 2024.

NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, TX, February 13-16, 2024. , Feb-2024

Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Determining the Dose Response Profile of the Headward Fluid Shift during Varying Gravity Levels Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2023 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 03/01/2021  
End Date: 06/30/2024  
Task Last Updated: 12/08/2022 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Lee, Stuart M.C. Ph.D. / KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  2400 NASA Parkway 
 
Houston , TX 77058-2749 		 Email: stuart.lee-1@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-3726  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Martin, David  M.S. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Marshall-Goebel, Karina  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Young, Millennia  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Besnard, Stephane  M.D., Ph.D. University Hospital of Caen, France 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14418  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 0 
No. of PhD Candidates: 0 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 0 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Cardiovascular:Risk of Cardiovascular Adaptations Contributing to Adverse Mission Performance and Health Outcomes
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) CV-101:Determine whether long-duration weightlessness and/or reduced gravity induces cardiovascular structural and functional adaptations that contribute to an increased risk of a cardiovascular event or and disease.
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 06/30/2024 per C. Ribeiro/HHC (Ed., 10/5/23).

Task Description: Long-duration stays in weightlessness have resulted in changes in the function and structure of the eye in some astronauts which has been described as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The leading hypothesis is that ocular changes associated with SANS result from chronic exposure to the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift. The resulting venous congestion in the upper body may impair cerebrospinal and lymphatic fluid drainage from the skull and contribute to some of the changes in the eye. Further, venous stasis may develop in some astronauts, increasing the risk of a venous thrombus. Countermeasures that reverse the headward fluid shift during spaceflight such as centrifugation or lower body negative pressure have been proposed as means to relieve venous congestion associated with weightlessness and thus may mitigate the risk of SANS, venous thrombosis, and other spaceflight-induced cardiovascular adaptations. However, the amount of fluid shift reversal required to prevent SANS, venous thrombosis, and cardiovascular adaptations is unresolved. Parabolic flight provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the acute changes in the headward fluid shift within the venous compartment induced by varying levels of gravity during partial gravity and weightlessness.

The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial gravity levels (G-levels) similar to extraterrestrial levels (Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this partial gravity parabolic campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and internal jugular vein (IJV) dimensions, pressure, and flow. Furthermore, investigating IJV hemodynamics bilaterally and studying the IJV in these subjects during parabolas producing weightlessness will better inform NASA regarding the risk of SANS and venous thrombosis and aid in the development of appropriate countermeasures.

Specific Aims

1. Determine the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters associated with a headward fluid shift, including IJV pressure, flow pattern, and cross-sectional area.

2. Determine if the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters is different between the left and right sides of the body.

3. Determine whether the supine posture in normal gravity produces similar internal jugular vein hemodynamics as occurs in acute weightlessness.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This work was recommended by the Human Health Countermeasures (HHC) element to be performed as a directed study (a) to fulfill the partial gravity flight campaign human data collection objectives outlined in the previously-selected NASA Research Announcement (NRA; NNJ15ZSA001N-AG); (b) to provide the necessary data to accelerate HHC Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) risk reduction; and (c) to provide the necessary headward fluid shift data to help inform requirements for future lunar (Artemis Program) and Mars exploration. This proposed task will allow Human Research Program (HRP) to take advantage of a planned European Space Agency (ESA)-sponsored partial gravity parabolic flight opportunity in Spring or Summer of 2022. Furthermore, utilizing the same study design and outcome measures as the first campaign will ensure data consistency, enable us to leverage previously-developed human research documentation, hardware, and engineering analyses required by the parabolic flight provider (cost efficiency).

When our first study was selected as part of a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) (NNJ15ZSA001N-AG), the power analysis indicated that data should be collected from 15 subjects. However, the ESA parabolic flight plan limited data collection to 9 subjects. Due to technical constraints and reduced operator support in the first campaign, internal jugular vein (IJV) area was obtained in only 8 of 9 subjects and IJV pressure only in 3 subjects at the lower G-levels. Thus, collecting data from 9 additional subjects as outlined here will allow us to fully explore the threshold G-level required to prevent venous congestion (IJV area and pressure) and altered flow patterns. In addition, this will allow us to assess the effects of right vs. left IJV anatomy on IJV dimension, pressure, and flow to varying G-levels, which has not been previously explored and may be key in assessing SANS and thrombosis risks. Finally, the previous partial gravity parabolic flight campaign did not include parabolas producing weightlessness, and thus the previous dose-response curves describing the relationship between G-level and IJV area required the assumption that IJV dimensions in the supine posture was a suitable analog. With the addition of weightlessness parabolas in a new campaign, this approach will be validated. Data from this project also will complement the weightless parabolic flight study recently funded for our laboratory (Characterization of Jugular Venous Blood Flow during Acute Fluid Shifts, Principal Investigator: Karina Marshall-Goebel, Ph.D., 80JSC019N0001-OMNIBUS - HERO Appendix B: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity).

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial G-levels (similar to those on the Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism, and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this parabolic flight campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and IJV dimensions, pressure, and flow and inform countermeasure development.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2023 
Task Progress: In this first year of the study, the team achieved several key milestones. First, the team submitted and received approval of the NASA Institutional Review Board documents, including the Informed Consent form. The consent forms to be reviewed by the French National Comité de Protection des Personnes (NCPP) will be completed in the Spring of 2023. Second, the team delivered the first draft of the Experiment Safety Data Package (ESDP), which included an overview of the study objectives and methods as well as preliminary diagrams depicting the workstations for the test subjects and sonographers. In consultation with Novespace (Bordeaux, France), the team redesigned the workstations to facilitate imaging of the internal jugular veins bilaterally while improving the ergonomics of probe placement and ultrasound keyboard manipulation. In the coming months, the team will finalize the workstation design, finalize the ESDP with Novespace, train the operators for data collection, and develop the data analysis plan to facilitate data reduction and reporting. Thereafter, the team will prepare hardware for shipment to and from Novespace, participate in the Flight Readiness Review, collect the data, and begin data reduction. Data analysis and reporting will be completed in the final year of this study.

The parabolic flight campaign is scheduled for June 2023.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/20/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lee SMC, Miller CA, Martin DS, Laurie SS, Lytle J, Young M, Macias BR. "Determining dose response profile of the headward fluid shift during varying gravity levels." NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, To the Moon: The Next Golden Age of Human Spaceflight, Galveston, Texas, February 7-9, 2023.

NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, To the Moon: The Next Golden Age of Human Spaceflight, Galveston, Texas, February 7-9, 2023. , Jan-2023

Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Determining the Dose Response Profile of the Headward Fluid Shift during Varying Gravity Levels Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2022 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 03/01/2021  
End Date: 02/29/2024  
Task Last Updated: 02/03/2022 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Lee, Stuart M.C. Ph.D. / KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  2400 NASA Parkway 
 
Houston , TX 77058-2749 		 Email: stuart.lee-1@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-3726  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Martin, David  M.S. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Marshall-Goebel, Karina  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Young, Millennia  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Besnard, Stephane  M.D., Ph.D. University Hospital of Caen, France 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14418  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 0 
No. of PhD Candidates: 0 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 0 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Cardiovascular:Risk of Cardiovascular Adaptations Contributing to Adverse Mission Performance and Health Outcomes
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) CV-101:Determine whether long-duration weightlessness and/or reduced gravity induces cardiovascular structural and functional adaptations that contribute to an increased risk of a cardiovascular event or and disease.
Task Description: Long-duration stays in weightlessness have resulted in changes in the function and structure of the eye in some astronauts which has been described as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The leading hypothesis is that ocular changes associated with SANS result from chronic exposure to the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift. The resulting venous congestion in the upper body may impair cerebrospinal and lymphatic fluid drainage from the skull and contribute to some of the changes in the eye. Further, venous stasis may develop in some astronauts, increasing the risk of a venous thrombus. Countermeasures that reverse the headward fluid shift during spaceflight such as centrifugation or lower body negative pressure have been proposed as means to relieve venous congestion associated with weightlessness and thus may mitigate the risk of SANS, venous thrombosis, and other spaceflight-induced cardiovascular adaptations. However, the amount of fluid shift reversal required to prevent SANS, venous thrombosis, and cardiovascular adaptations is unresolved. Parabolic flight provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the acute changes in the headward fluid shift within the venous compartment induced by varying levels of gravity during partial gravity and weightlessness.

The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial gravity levels (G-levels) similar to extraterrestrial levels (Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this partial gravity parabolic campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and internal jugular vein (IJV) dimensions, pressure, and flow. Furthermore, investigating IJV hemodynamics bilaterally and studying the IJV in these subjects during parabolas producing weightlessness will better inform NASA regarding the risk of SANS and venous thrombosis and aid in the development of appropriate countermeasures.

Specific Aims

1. Determine the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters associated with a headward fluid shift, including IJV pressure, flow pattern, and cross-sectional area.

2. Determine if the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters is different between the left and right sides of the body.

3. Determine whether the supine posture in normal gravity produces similar internal jugular vein hemodynamics as occurs in acute weightlessness.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This work was recommended by the Human Health Countermeasures (HHC) element to be performed as a directed study (a) to fulfill the partial gravity flight campaign human data collection objectives outlined in the previously-selected NASA Research Announcement (NRA; NNJ15ZSA001N-AG); (b) to provide the necessary data to accelerate HHC Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) risk reduction; and (c) to provide the necessary headward fluid shift data to help inform requirements for future lunar (Artemis Program) and Mars exploration. This proposed task will allow Human Research Program (HRP) to take advantage of a planned European Space Agency (ESA)-sponsored partial gravity parabolic flight opportunity in Spring or Summer of 2022. Furthermore, utilizing the same study design and outcome measures as the first campaign will ensure data consistency, enable us to leverage previously-developed human research documentation, hardware, and engineering analyses required by the parabolic flight provider (cost efficiency).

When our first study was selected as part of a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) (NNJ15ZSA001N-AG), the power analysis indicated that data should be collected from 15 subjects. However, the ESA parabolic flight plan limited data collection to 9 subjects. Due to technical constraints and reduced operator support in the first campaign, internal jugular vein (IJV) area was obtained in only 8 of 9 subjects and IJV pressure only in 3 subjects at the lower G-levels. Thus, collecting data from 9 additional subjects as outlined here will allow us to fully explore the threshold G-level required to prevent venous congestion (IJV area and pressure) and altered flow patterns. In addition, this will allow us to assess the effects of right vs. left IJV anatomy on IJV dimension, pressure, and flow to varying G-levels, which has not been previously explored and may be key in assessing SANS and thrombosis risks. Finally, the previous partial gravity parabolic flight campaign did not include parabolas producing weightlessness, and thus the previous dose-response curves describing the relationship between G-level and IJV area required the assumption that IJV dimensions in the supine posture was a suitable analog. With the addition of weightlessness parabolas in a new campaign, this approach will be validated. Data from this project also will complement the weightless parabolic flight study recently funded for our laboratory (Characterization of Jugular Venous Blood Flow during Acute Fluid Shifts, Principal Investigator: Karina Marshall-Goebel, Ph.D., 80JSC019N0001-OMNIBUS - HERO Appendix B: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity).

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2022 
Task Progress: The overall objective of this study is to characterize the relationship between gravity levels (G-levels) and acute changes in the internal jugular vein (IJV) pressure, cross-sectional area, and flow using ultrasound. Beat-to-beat finger blood pressure and heart rate from a 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) configuration also will be acquired. Our previous spaceflight study (Fluid Shifts) revealed IJV expansion and altered flow during long-duration spaceflight, as well as the presence of a thrombus in one astronaut, when measurements were obtained from the left IJV. However, in our previous parabolic flight campaign, we only examined the right IJV. Clinically IJV flow reversal is most commonly reported to occur in the left IJV, likely due to anatomical differences between the left and right IJV and brachiocephalic veins. Thus, here we will obtain IJV measurements bilaterally. Specifically, we will characterize the IJV changes during different levels of gravity and hydrostatic gradients (Gz), including preflight supine (0-G analog), 0.25-, 0.50-, 0.75 and 0-G while seated during parabolic flight, and 1-G seated during level flight between parabolas.

No results are available currently. The parabolic flight campaign is tentatively scheduled for June 2023.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/20/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lee SMC, Martin DS, Laurie SS, Lytle J, Marshall-Goebel K, Miller CA, Young M, Besnard S, Macias BR. "Determining dose response profile of the headward fluid shift during varying gravity levels." 2022 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Virtual, February 7-10, 2022.

Abstracts. 2022 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Virtual, February 7-10, 2022 (Abstract #1133-000530). , Feb-2022

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Project Title:  Determining the Dose Response Profile of the Headward Fluid Shift during Varying Gravity Levels Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2021 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 03/01/2021  
End Date: 02/29/2024  
Task Last Updated: 05/20/2021 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Lee, Stuart M.C. Ph.D. / KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  2400 NASA Parkway 
 
Houston , TX 77058-2749 		 Email: stuart.lee-1@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-3726  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Martin, David  M.S. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Marshall-Goebel, Karina  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Young, Millennia  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Besnard, Stephane  M.D., Ph.D. University Hospital of Caen, France 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14418  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:   		No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Cardiovascular:Risk of Cardiovascular Adaptations Contributing to Adverse Mission Performance and Health Outcomes
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) CV-101:Determine whether long-duration weightlessness and/or reduced gravity induces cardiovascular structural and functional adaptations that contribute to an increased risk of a cardiovascular event or and disease.
Task Description: Long-duration stays in weightlessness have resulted in changes in the function and structure of the eye in some astronauts which has been described as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The leading hypothesis is that ocular changes associated with SANS result from chronic exposure to the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift. The resulting venous congestion in the upper body may impair cerebrospinal and lymphatic fluid drainage from the skull and contribute to some of the changes in the eye. Further, venous stasis may develop in some astronauts, increasing the risk of a venous thrombus. Countermeasures that reverse the headward fluid shift during spaceflight such as centrifugation or lower body negative pressure have been proposed as means to relieve venous congestion associated with weightlessness and thus may mitigate the risk of SANS, venous thrombosis, and other spaceflight-induced cardiovascular adaptations. However, the amount of fluid shift reversal required to prevent SANS, venous thrombosis, and cardiovascular adaptations is unresolved. Parabolic flight provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the acute changes in the headward fluid shift within the venous compartment induced by varying levels of gravity during partial gravity and weightlessness.

The primary task objectives are to determine whether exposures to partial gravity levels (G-levels) similar to extraterrestrial levels (Moon and Mars) will provide protection against the headward fluids shifts that may be associated with the development of SANS, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cardiovascular deconditioning. With the results from this partial gravity parabolic campaign, we will provide additional data that will contribute to comprehensive models of the relationship between G-levels and internal jugular vein (IJV) dimensions, pressure, and flow. Furthermore, investigating IJV hemodynamics bilaterally and studying the IJV in these subjects during parabolas producing weightlessness will better inform NASA regarding the risk of SANS and venous thrombosis and aid in the development of appropriate countermeasures.

Specific Aims

1. Determine the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters associated with a headward fluid shift, including IJV pressure, flow pattern, and cross-sectional area.

2. Determine if the relationship between G-level and upper body venous hemodynamic parameters is different between the left and right sides of the body.

3. Determine whether the supine posture in normal gravity produces similar internal jugular vein hemodynamics as occurs in acute weightlessness.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This work was recommended by the Human Health Countermeasures (HHC) element to be performed as a directed study (a) to fulfill the partial gravity flight campaign human data collection objectives outlined in the previously-selected NASA Research Announcement (NRA; NNJ15ZSA001N-AG); (b) to provide the necessary data to accelerate HHC Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) risk reduction; and (c) to provide the necessary headward fluid shift data to help inform requirements for future lunar (Artemis Program) and Mars exploration. This proposed task will allow Human Research Program (HRP) to take advantage of a planned European Space Agency (ESA)-sponsored partial gravity parabolic flight opportunity in Spring or Summer of 2022. Furthermore, utilizing the same study design and outcome measures as the first campaign will ensure data consistency, enable us to leverage previously-developed human research documentation, hardware, and engineering analyses required by the parabolic flight provider (cost efficiency).

When our first study was selected as part of a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) (NNJ15ZSA001N-AG), the power analysis indicated that data should be collected from 15 subjects. However, the ESA parabolic flight plan limited data collection to 9 subjects. Due to technical constraints and reduced operator support in the first campaign, internal jugular vein (IJV) area was obtained in only 8 of 9 subjects and IJV pressure only in 3 subjects at the lower G-levels. Thus, collecting data from 9 additional subjects as outlined here will allow us to fully explore the threshold G-level required to prevent venous congestion (IJV area and pressure) and altered flow patterns. In addition, this will allow us to assess the effects of right vs. left IJV anatomy on IJV dimension, pressure, and flow to varying G-levels, which has not been previously explored and may be key in assessing SANS and thrombosis risks. Finally, the previous partial gravity parabolic flight campaign did not include parabolas producing weightlessness, and thus the previous dose-response curves describing the relationship between G-level and IJV area required the assumption that IJV dimensions in the supine posture was a suitable analog. With the addition of weightlessness parabolas in a new campaign, this approach will be validated. Data from this project also will complement the weightless parabolic flight study recently funded for our laboratory (Characterization of Jugular Venous Blood Flow during Acute Fluid Shifts, Principal Investigator: Karina Marshall-Goebel, Ph.D., 80JSC019N0001-OMNIBUS - HERO Appendix B: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity).

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2021 
Task Progress: New project for FY2021.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/20/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2021
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