THE BIOCHEMICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND METABOLIC EVALUATION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS DURING A SIMULATED GT-7 MISSION.
Abstract
Four human male subjects were confined for six weeks during which time they participated in a simulated Gemini 14-day flight. They ate a diet of bite sized compressed foods for 30 consecutive days; 14 days were spent in a Life Support Systems Evaluator. This diet was organoleptically unacceptable. It was significantly less digestible than the fresh food diet and caused an increase in fecal void frequency and a significant increase in fecal mass. The protein in the diet was sufficient to maintain the subjects in positive balance for nitrogen but the mineral content (except magnesium) was inadequate. The subjects were in negative balance for sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and chloride but in positive balance for magnesium. Although the caloric value of the diet was lower than anticipated, due to law digestibility of energy, weight loss in the chamber was at a minimum because only 32 kcal/kg were required to maintain initial body weight. Sweat losses in the chamber were lower than for the Controlled Activity Facility. This may be due to the fact that no bathing or clothing changes occurred during this period. If resorption of sweat does occur, then minimal personal hygiene may be a positive factor in minimizing sweat losses of nutrients. Under the conditions of these tests, 1500 ml/man/day of water were adequate. Water balance data and urinary 17-hydoxycorticoids attest to the low level of activity in the chamber. Blood pressure, oral temperature, pulse rate, respirations, hematology, and blood chemistries were all in the normal range of clinical values. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0675642
Entities
People
- Bernard J. Katchman
- Carol A. Linder
- James P. F. Murphy
- Vickie R. Must
Organizations
- Miami Valley Hospital