Polygraphic belt with force-sensing expander for physiological tests on cosmonauts
Rafolt, D.; Gallasch, E.
Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical Engineering 46(9): 230-235
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-5585 PMID: 11593979 Document Number: 1827
To study cardiorespiratory and neuromotor functions in cosmonauts a novel belt with embedded polygraphic sensors and a force sensing expander were developed. The sensors are: a three-electrode ECG/impedance plethysmographic system to capture cardiac and respiratory activity, two triaxial accelerometers to record limb micromotions and an IR reflex-sensor to detect peripheral pulse waves. The expander consists of an elastic cable in series with a load cell to measure the extension force and to adjust the extensions by visual feedback. The cable stiffness was chosen rather high (150-200 N/m) in order to induce involuntary limb oscillations at higher extension levels. The equipment was tested in MIR spaceflights and is projected for physiological tests on the ISS.
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