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Project Title:  Mitigating Headward Fluid Shifts with Veno-Constrictive Thigh Cuffs During Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2025 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 05/15/2021  
End Date: 05/14/2026  
Task Last Updated: 03/28/2025 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. / NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  Johnson Space Center Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory 
2101 NASA Parkway, HAC/B21N-1207 
Houston , TX 77058 		 Email: brandon.r.macias@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-2026  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments: NOTE: Became civil servant fall 2020; previously KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center. Prior to that until 2016, was at the University of California, San Diego. 
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Lee, Stuart  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cole, Chris  Ph.D. Clemson University 
Huang, Alex  University of California, San Diego 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: Additions: Griffin Donley will replace the functional role of John Foulk. Katrina Carter, Jason Lytle, and Sarah Pickering, are new personnel part of the Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory working on this project. Dr. Alex Huang from UCSD will join the team as Co-I to help with his OCT expertise and past thigh cuff countermeasure research expertise. Departures: John Foulk, Annelise Miller, Chris Miller, Evan Pettit.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14471  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Flight,Ground 
Flight Program: ISS 
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) SANS:Risk of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) SANS-501:Validate/optimize integrated countermeasures in the spaceflight environment
Task Description: This study will determine the ability of venoconstrictive thigh cuff (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for SANS. The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (~30 minutes, ~3 hours, and ~6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. Specific Aim: 1) Determine the efficacy of VTC application to mitigate a spaceflight-induced headward fluid shift. We hypothesize that a VTC countermeasure will temporarily reverse or attenuate spaceflight-induced ocular and cardiovascular changes.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This study will determine the ability of veno-constrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. The investigator team has the required expertise to conduct this research and has experience from a ground study led by this team in 33 subjects who wore these VTC for up to ~2 hours while supine at rest. An updated VTC and microfiber sleeve have been developed and tested in these ground-based studies.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The Flight Thigh Cuff research study will advance NASA’s understanding of use of the VTC as a potential countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), an important human health and performance risk. This goal will be accomplished by quantifying vascular and ocular changes before and during spaceflight. Given the unique environment of the International Space Station, commonly used ophthalmic instruments are being implemented in novel operational environments (e.g., optical coherence tomography (OCT) and pneumotonometry). This work will help NASA to evaluate this spaceflight-associated risk more accurately and to refine its data-driven approach to SANS countermeasure development.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2025 
Task Progress: KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS REPORTING PERIOD Informed Consent • Informed consent briefings were conducted for Crew-11, Crew-12, Boeing commercial flight test, and 75S. • Eight crewmembers have consented to participate in this study which includes an additional five from this reporting period. Preparation Activities • Additional Crew training classes for both operator and subject classes were conducted and completed. Twenty-eight preflight crew training classes have been conducted in this reporting period with overwhelmingly positive feedback from crewmembers. • Flight-certified Venoconstrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) were returned to NASA’s Research Operations and Integration (ROI) group after previous successful data collection aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to undergo biological analysis by the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Microbiology Laboratory. Preliminary results show minimal wear and tear and no concerns of bacterial growth increasing our confidence in the longevity of this potential fluid shift countermeasure. • New hardware was procured to support data collection and improved image quality (9L ultrasound probe and compression sonography device). Scheduling is ongoing for the delivery of this hardware to the ISS for future use. Data Collection Activities • A Test Readiness Review (TRR) was completed on 5/31/2024. • JSC Institutional Review Board (IRB) continuing review approved 10/17/2024. • Three crewmembers have completed all data collection activities. • Four VTC preflight fit checks have been completed. • Four inflight VTC fit checks have been completed. • Three preflight data collections have been completed. • Ten inflight data collections have been completed.

Presentations A poster was presented at the 2025 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop in Galveston, Texas.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 06/30/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Poczatek MJ, O’Grady CS, Boothe GS, Laurie SS, Martin DS, Lee SMC, Cole CW, Donley G, Young MH, Macias BR. "Mitigating headward fluid shifts with veno-constrictive thigh cuffs during spaceflight." 2025 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, Texas, January 28 -31, 2025.

Abstracts. 2025 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, Texas, January 28 -31, 2025. , Jan-2025

Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Mitigating Headward Fluid Shifts with Veno-Constrictive Thigh Cuffs During Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2024 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 05/15/2021  
End Date: 05/14/2026  
Task Last Updated: 04/04/2024 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. / NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  Johnson Space Center Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory 
2101 NASA Parkway, HAC/B21N-1207 
Houston , TX 77058 		 Email: brandon.r.macias@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-2026  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments: NOTE: Became civil servant fall 2020; previously KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center. Prior to that until 2016, was at the University of California, San Diego. 
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Lee, Stuart  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cole, Chris  Ph.D. Clemson University 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14471  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Flight,Ground 
Flight Program: ISS 
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) SANS:Risk of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) SANS-501:Validate/optimize integrated countermeasures in the spaceflight environment
Task Description: This study will determine the ability of venoconstrictive thigh cuff (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for SANS. The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (~30 minutes, ~3 hours, and ~6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. Specific Aim: 1) Determine the efficacy of VTC application to mitigate a spaceflight-induced headward fluid shift. We hypothesize that a VTC countermeasure will temporarily reverse or attenuate spaceflight-induced ocular and cardiovascular changes.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This study will determine the ability of veno-constrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. The investigator team has the required expertise to conduct this research and has experience from a ground study led by this team in 33 subjects who wore these VTC for up to ~2 hours while supine at rest. An updated VTC and microfiber sleeve have been developed and tested in these ground-based studies.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The Flight Thigh Cuff research study will advance NASA’s understanding of use of the VTC as a potential countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), an important human health and performance risk. This goal will be accomplished by quantifying vascular and ocular changes before and during spaceflight. Given the unique environment of the International Space Station, commonly used ophthalmic instruments are being implemented in novel operational environments (e.g., optical coherence tomography (OCT) and pneumotonometry). This work will help NASA to evaluate this spaceflight-associated risk more accurately and to refine its data-driven approach to SANS countermeasure development.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2024 
Task Progress: Mitigating Headward Fluid Shifts with Venoconstrictive Thigh Cuffs during Spaceflight

*B.R. Macias1, M.J. Poczatek2, C.S. O’Grady3, G. Boothe2, S.S. Laurie4, C.W. Cole5, G. Donley5

1NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX; 2JES Tech, Houston, TX; 3Aegis Aerospace, Houston, TX; 4KBR, Houston, TX; 5Clemson University, Clemson, SC

Public Facing Summary Structural and functional changes of the eye that develop in many astronauts during extended periods of weightlessness are described collectively as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Venoconstrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) are a mechanical countermeasure capable of reducing headward fluid shifts in both ground-based and spaceflight studies, and thus, may be a countermeasure against the development of SANS. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of short-duration VTC application to mitigate a spaceflight-induced headward fluid shift. We hypothesize that a VTC countermeasure will temporarily reverse or attenuate spaceflight-induced ocular and cardiovascular changes. In addition, we will investigate the use of VTC for up to 6 hours of duration during spaceflight to characterize the role duration of use has on our outcome variables.

During this reporting period, 3 crewmembers consented to participate and 2 have completed preflight baseline data collection (BDC) training and BDC. Thigh cuffs certified for use on the International Space Station (ISS) arrived at the ISS in preparation for inflight data collection planned for Spring 2024.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 06/30/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Poczatek MJ, O’Grady CS, Laurie SS, Martin DS, Lee SMC, Ferguson CR, Cole CW, Donley G, Foulk J, Young MH, Macias BR. "Mitigating headward fluid shifts with veno-constrictive thigh cuffs during spaceflight (flight thigh cuff study)." 2024 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, Texas, February 13-16, 2024.

Abstracts. 2024 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, Texas, February 13-16, 2024. , Feb-2023

Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Mitigating Headward Fluid Shifts with Veno-Constrictive Thigh Cuffs During Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2023 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 05/15/2021  
End Date: 05/14/2026  
Task Last Updated: 03/15/2023 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. / NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  Johnson Space Center Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory 
2101 NASA Parkway, HAC/B21N-1207 
Houston , TX 77058 		 Email: brandon.r.macias@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-2026  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments: NOTE: Became civil servant fall 2020; previously KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center. Prior to that until 2016, was at the University of California, San Diego. 
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Lee, Stuart  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cole, Chris  Ph.D. Clemson University 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: Karina Marshall-Goebel and Jonn Foulk moved to new positions and will no longer be participating in the study.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14471  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Flight,Ground 
Flight Program: ISS 
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) SANS:Risk of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) SANS-501:Validate/optimize integrated countermeasures in the spaceflight environment
Task Description: This study will determine the ability of venoconstrictive thigh cuff (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for SANS. The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (~30 minutes, ~3 hours, and ~6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. Specific Aim: 1) Determine the efficacy of VTC application to mitigate a spaceflight-induced headward fluid shift. We hypothesize that a VTC countermeasure will temporarily reverse or attenuate spaceflight-induced ocular and cardiovascular changes.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This study will determine the ability of veno-constrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. The investigator team has the required expertise to conduct this research and has experience from a ground study led by this team in 33 subjects who wore these VTC for up to ~2 hours while supine at rest. An updated VTC and microfiber sleeve have been developed and tested in these ground-based studies.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The Flight Thigh Cuff research study will advance NASA’s understanding of use of the VTC as a potential countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), an important human health and performance risk. This goal will be accomplished by quantifying vascular and ocular changes before and during spaceflight. Given the unique environment of the International Space Station, commonly used ophthalmic instruments are being implemented in novel operational environments (e.g., optical coherence tomography (OCT) and pneumotonometry). This work will help NASA to evaluate this spaceflight-associated risk more accurately and to refine its data-driven approach to SANS countermeasure development.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2023 
Task Progress: The Feasibility Assessment was completed by the Research and Operations Integration (ROI) team, and the study received Select for Flight.

• The Flight Thigh Cuff PI team worked with NASA ROI Element to provide inputs to the Experiment Document, Experiment Summary, and Crew Informed Consent Briefing presentation. • The Flight Thigh Cuff Principal Investigator team worked with NASA ROI, Flight Hardware, and collaborators from the Clemson Textiles Group to implement iterative improvements to the thigh cuff hardware in preparation for the commencement of the study. A flight prototype is targeted for delivery to the Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory (CVL) by the end of April 2023. • Received IRB approval for the 2023 Institutional Review Board (IRB) Continuing Review. • Received IRB approval for an IRB Protocol and Consent Form modification per request from the European Space Agency Medical Board. • A poster was presented at the 2023 Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop in Galveston, TX.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 06/30/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Ferguson CR, Laurie SS, Lee SMC, Cole C, Foulk J, Young MH, Macias BR. "Mitigating headward fluid shifts with venoconstrictive thigh cuffs during spaceflight." NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, TX, February 7, 2023 – February 9, 2023.

NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Galveston, TX, February 7, 2023 – February 9, 2023. , Feb-2023

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Project Title:  Mitigating Headward Fluid Shifts with Veno-Constrictive Thigh Cuffs During Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2022 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 05/15/2021  
End Date: 05/14/2026  
Task Last Updated: 03/07/2022 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. / NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  Johnson Space Center Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory 
2101 NASA Parkway, HAC/B21N-1207 
Houston , TX 77058 		 Email: brandon.r.macias@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-2026  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments: NOTE: Became civil servant fall 2020; previously KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center. Prior to that until 2016, was at the University of California, San Diego. 
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Marshall-Goebel, Karina  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Lee, Stuart  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cole, Chris  Ph.D. Clemson University 
Foulk, Jonn  Ph.D. Clemson University 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: Jessica V. Jasien, Ph.D is no longer a member of the Cardiovascular Lab (CVL).
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14471  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Flight,Ground 
Flight Program: ISS 
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) SANS:Risk of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) SANS-501:Validate/optimize integrated countermeasures in the spaceflight environment
Task Description: This study will determine the ability of venoconstrictive thigh cuff (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for SANS. The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (~30 minutes, ~3 hours, and ~6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. Specific Aim: 1) Determine the efficacy of VTC application to mitigate a spaceflight-induced headward fluid shift. We hypothesize that a VTC countermeasure will temporarily reverse or attenuate spaceflight-induced ocular and cardiovascular changes.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This study will determine the ability of veno-constrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. The investigator team has the required expertise to conduct this research and has experience from a ground study led by this team in 33 subjects who wore these VTC for up to ~2 hours while supine at rest. An updated VTC and microfiber sleeve have been developed and tested in these ground-based studies.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The Flight Thigh Cuff research study will advance NASA’s understanding of use of the VTC as a potential countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), an important human health and performance risk. This goal will be accomplished by quantifying vascular and ocular changes before and during spaceflight. Given the unique environment of the International Space Station, commonly used ophthalmic instruments are being implemented in novel operational environments (e.g., optical coherence tomography (OCT) and pneumotonometry). This work will help NASA to evaluate this spaceflight-associated risk more accurately and to refine its data-driven approach to SANS countermeasure development.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2022 
Task Progress: • The Flight Thigh Cuff Principal Investigator (PI) team has worked with the NASA Research Operations and Integration (ROI) Element to provide inputs to the Feasibility Assessment. • The Institutional Review Board (IRB) package was approved by the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) IRB on February 17, 2022. • A study overview was presented at the 2022 Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop (virtual).

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 06/30/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Jasien JV, Laurie SS, Marshall-Goebel K, Lee SMC, Greenwald SH, Pardon LP, Lytle J, Stephenson JL, Cole C, Foulk J, Macias BR. "Mitigating headward fluid shifts with venoconstrictive thigh cuffs during spaceflight." 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. , Feb-2022

Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Mitigating Headward Fluid Shifts with Veno-Constrictive Thigh Cuffs During Spaceflight Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2021 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 05/15/2021  
End Date: 05/14/2026  
Task Last Updated: 06/30/2021 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Macias, Brandon  Ph.D. / NASA Johnson Space Center 
Address:  Johnson Space Center Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory 
2101 NASA Parkway, HAC/B21N-1207 
Houston , TX 77058 		 Email: brandon.r.macias@nasa.gov 
Phone: 281-483-2026  
Congressional District: 36 
Web:  
 Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Johnson Space Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments: NOTE: Became civil servant fall 2020; previously KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center. Prior to that until 2016, was at the University of California, San Diego. 
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Laurie, Steven  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Marshall-Goebel, Karina  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Lee, Stuart  Ph.D. KBR/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Jasien, Jessica  Ph.D. JES/NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cole, Chris  Ph.D. Clemson University 
Foulk, Jonn  Ph.D. Clemson University 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Directed Research 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Brocato, Becky  
Center Contact:  
becky.brocato@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14471  		Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research 
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research 
Project Type: Flight,Ground 
Flight Program: ISS 
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) SANS:Risk of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) SANS-501:Validate/optimize integrated countermeasures in the spaceflight environment
Task Description: Veno-constrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) are a mechanical countermeasure capable of reducing headward fluid shifts in both ground-based and spaceflight studies, and thus, may be a countermeasure against development of the spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). In addition, VTC are at a high technical readiness level (TRL) and are compact and lightweight, making them compatible with the spaceflight operations environment. Here, we propose to investigate the effectiveness of VTC for mitigating spaceflight-induced headward fluid shifts in crewmembers before and during spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (ISS) using advanced imaging and physiological assessments. VTC will be used continuously, up to six hours with intermittent measures during this session, allowing us to characterize the temporal profile of this candidate countermeasure.

Specific Aim: Determine the efficacy of veno-constrictive thigh cuff application to mitigate a spaceflight-induced headward fluid shift. We hypothesize that a VTC countermeasure will temporarily reverse or attenuate spaceflight-induced ocular and cardiovascular changes. In addition, use of VTC for a longer duration than was used with the Chibis lower body negative pressure (LBNP) device during the Fluid Shifts study will allow us to investigate what role the duration of exposure has on our outcome variables.

Rationale for HRP Directed Research: This research is directed because it contains highly constrained research. This study will determine the ability of veno-constrictive thigh cuffs (VTC) application for varying durations to mitigate the weightlessness-induced headward fluid shift during spaceflight for the purpose of evaluating this device as a countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The effects of varying durations of continuous VTC usage (30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours) on ocular and cardiovascular variables will be investigated. This proposed study will help determine the potential efficacy of VTC to mitigate the cephalad fluid shift that is hypothesized to be the primary initiating factor to SANS. The VTC countermeasure technique is low-mass, portable, simple to use and may be used for extended durations while working in an operational spaceflight environment. The investigator team has the required expertise to conduct this research and has experience from a ground study led by this team in 33 subjects who wore these VTC for up to ~2 hours while supine at rest. An updated VTC and microfiber sleeve have been developed and tested in these ground-based studies.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

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

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 06/30/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2021
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