NASA Prebreathe Reduction Program (PRP)

Simulated Space Walk!

DAN and Duke Center For Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology are looking for research subjects to assist in a study on decompression stress.

Astronauts undergo significant decompression stress as they shift from the sea level pressure within the International Space Station to the very low pressure within the spacesuits used for spacewalking (4.3 psi; equivalent to an altitude of 30,300 ft). The goal of the Prebreathe Reduction Program (PRP) research studies conducted at the Duke Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology is to develop oxygen breathing procedures that incorporate light exercise to allow astronauts to be ready for spacewalking faster than with standard resting oxygen prebreathe protocols. We are currently suffering from a severe shortage of male subjects for trials that must be completed by the end of March. We need healthy individuals who are reasonably fit (participating in aerobic exercise two to three times per week is a good baseline to consider qualifying).

The study requires one-half day of fitness testing (including an aerobic capacity test on a cycle ergometer) and orientation to the study protocol. The study day is then scheduled at least three days after the screening day. The full study day involves light exercise while breathing oxygen and then simulated travel in the hypobaric chamber to a reduced pressure equivalent to what astronauts experience during spacewalking. The simulated spacewalk includes light exercise similar to what astronauts might experience.

Our greatest need is for 35-60 year old males, but any fit male or female over 21 years of age may qualify. The total compensation for completing both screening session and experimental study day is $150.

Further information is available from Dr. Neal Pollock (neal.pollock@duke.edu; 919-684-2948, ext. 225), Mike Natoli (mnatoli@dan.duke.edu; 919-668-0017) or Eric Schinazi (eschinazi@dan.duke.edu; 919-668-0000).


The attached image shows the astronaut Dr. Michael Gernhardt exiting the International Space Station airlock following the inaugural use of the last oxygen prebreathe protocol developed by a multi-center group including the Duke lab.

Link to Hyperbaric Center website: http://hyperbaric.mc.duke.edu

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