Ramona Adams
NASA has partnered with BSN medical to develop a compression garment that will work to help reduce an astronaut’s risk of experiencing rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and lightheadedness after a long-duration spaceflight.
A team of scientists from NASA and Russia currently examines the potential of BSN’s JOBST three-piece elastic gradient compression garments to protect against post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance, the company said Thursday.
BSN noted a few crewmembers who landed in Kazakhstan after four to six months of stay on the International Space Station have worn custom-fitted JOBST garments as part of the field study that involves standing, walking and posture tests.
The joint NASA-Russia scientific team aims to test the compression garments on 15 crewmembers before they decide whether to transition the experimental technology to normal usage, according to the company.
BSN said the garments are designed for use during travel into space destinations such as the ISS and Mars.
Felix Dahm, executive vice president of BSN’s innovation and strategic development business, said the JOBST research initiative may also pave the way for the general population to manage health issues such as chronic hypotension.
