Biostereometric analysis of body form was performed several times preflight and postflight on the astronauts of all three skylab flights. The analysis was made by deriving the three-dimensional coordinates of numerous points on the body surface from stereoscopic pairs of photographs of the subject, using a stereoplotter. The volume of segments of the body, and of the body as a whole, was calculated by integration of cross sectional areas derived from the coordinate data. All nine astronauts demonstrated regional changes in volume distribution which could be related to changes in total body water, muscle mass, and fat deposits. The change in water resulted from a redistribution of fluid in response to zero gravity. Changes in muscle mass resulted from an alternation in patterns of musclar activity in the absence of gravity, and changes in fat resulted from discrepancies between the individual's caloric needs and his food consumption.


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    Title :

    The effects of prolonged spaceflight on the regional distribution of fluid, muscle and fat: Biostereometric results from Skylab


    Contributors:
    Whittle, M. W. (author) / Herron, R. L. (author) / Cuzzi, J. R. (author) / Keys, C. W. (author)


    Publication date :

    1977-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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    Whittle, M. W. / Herron, R. L. / Cuzzi, J. R. | NTRS | 1977




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