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The use of an extended ventilation tube as a countermeasure for EVA-associated upper extremity medical issues

Publication ,  Journal Article
Jones, JA; Hoffman, RB; Buckland, DA; Harvey, CM; Bowen, CK; Hudy, CE; Strauss, S; Novak, J; Gernhardt, ML
Published in: Acta Astronautica
October 1, 2008

Introduction: Onycholysis due to repetitive activity in the space suit glove during Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) training and during spaceflight extravehicular activity (EVA) is a common observation. Moisture accumulates in gloves during EVA task performance and may contribute to the development of pain and damage to the fingernails experienced by many astronauts. The study evaluated the use of a long ventilation tube to determine if improved gas circulation into the hand area could reduce hand moisture and thereby decrease the associated symptoms. Methods: The current Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) was configured with a ventilation tube that extended down a single arm of the crew member (E) and compared with the unventilated arm (C). Skin surface moisture was measured on both hands immediately after glove removal and a questionnaire administered to determine subjective measures. Astronauts (n = 6) were examined pre- and post-run. Results: There were consistent trends in the reduction of relative hydration ratios at dorsum (C = 3.34, E = 2.11) and first ring finger joint (C = 2.46, E = 1.96) when the ventilation tube was employed. Ventilation appeared more effective on the left versus the right hand, implying an interaction with hand anthropometry and glove fit. Symptom score was lower on the hand that had the long ventilation tube relative to the control hand in 2/6 EVA crew members. Conclusions: Increased ventilation to the hand was effective in reducing the risks of hand and nail discomfort symptoms from moderate to low in one-third of the subjects. Improved design in the ventilation capability of EVA spacesuits is expected to improve efficiency of air flow distribution.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Acta Astronautica

DOI

ISSN

0094-5765

Publication Date

October 1, 2008

Volume

63

Issue

7-10

Start / End Page

763 / 768

Related Subject Headings

  • Aerospace & Aeronautics
  • 4001 Aerospace engineering
  • 0913 Mechanical Engineering
  • 0901 Aerospace Engineering
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Jones, J. A., Hoffman, R. B., Buckland, D. A., Harvey, C. M., Bowen, C. K., Hudy, C. E., … Gernhardt, M. L. (2008). The use of an extended ventilation tube as a countermeasure for EVA-associated upper extremity medical issues. Acta Astronautica, 63(7–10), 763–768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2007.12.067
Jones, J. A., R. B. Hoffman, D. A. Buckland, C. M. Harvey, C. K. Bowen, C. E. Hudy, S. Strauss, J. Novak, and M. L. Gernhardt. “The use of an extended ventilation tube as a countermeasure for EVA-associated upper extremity medical issues.” Acta Astronautica 63, no. 7–10 (October 1, 2008): 763–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2007.12.067.
Jones JA, Hoffman RB, Buckland DA, Harvey CM, Bowen CK, Hudy CE, et al. The use of an extended ventilation tube as a countermeasure for EVA-associated upper extremity medical issues. Acta Astronautica. 2008 Oct 1;63(7–10):763–8.
Jones, J. A., et al. “The use of an extended ventilation tube as a countermeasure for EVA-associated upper extremity medical issues.” Acta Astronautica, vol. 63, no. 7–10, Oct. 2008, pp. 763–68. Scopus, doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2007.12.067.
Jones JA, Hoffman RB, Buckland DA, Harvey CM, Bowen CK, Hudy CE, Strauss S, Novak J, Gernhardt ML. The use of an extended ventilation tube as a countermeasure for EVA-associated upper extremity medical issues. Acta Astronautica. 2008 Oct 1;63(7–10):763–768.
Journal cover image

Published In

Acta Astronautica

DOI

ISSN

0094-5765

Publication Date

October 1, 2008

Volume

63

Issue

7-10

Start / End Page

763 / 768

Related Subject Headings

  • Aerospace & Aeronautics
  • 4001 Aerospace engineering
  • 0913 Mechanical Engineering
  • 0901 Aerospace Engineering