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Metrics and Measurement


Metrics


Cardiac Output(Qc)

Total blood volume pumped by the heart per minute, critical for meeting body demands during physical exertion.

Plasma Volume

The liquid component of blood, reflecting hydration status and essential for cardiovascular stability.

Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute, where resting HR provides a baseline for cardiovascular health, and elevated heart rates signal exercise intensity.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per beat, (mL/beat) reflecting cardiovascular efficiency and adaptability during exercise.

Ventilatory Threshold

The point during exercise when breathing increases faster than oxygen uptake, marking a shift to more anaerobic energy production.

Aerobic Capacity (VO2 Max)

The maximum rate at which the body can consume oxygen during intense exercise, a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. This tends to decline during spaceflight.

Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP)

The stage where rapid breathing occurs to reduce CO2 levels during intense exercise, marking the upper limit of sustainable effort.

Fluid Shifts

Redistribution of body fluids towards the upper body in microgravity, affecting circulation and causing changes in blood volume and cardiovascular function.

Systemic Blood Pressure

Blood pressure across the body's circulatory system, essential for assessing cardiovascular health and monitoring the effects of exercise.

Thermoregulation

The ability to maintain core body temperature, particularly important in space environments where external temperature control is limited.

Heat Production/ Dissipation

Reflects the body’s balance in generating and releasing heat, essential for thermoregulation in various environments.

Vasoregulation

The body's ability to maintain proper blood flow by adjusting blood vessel diameter, critical for cardiovascular health in changing environments.

Diaphoresis (Sudation)

Sweating as a mechanism for cooling the body, playing an important role in temperature regulation during exercise in different gravity settings.

Metabolic Rate

The energy expenditure rate, crucial for maintaining weight and energy levels, especially when physical activity is limited.

Carbon Dioxide Production

Amount of CO₂ generated during metabolism, which is a critical indicator of respiratory efficiency and metabolic rate.

Lactate Threshold

The point at which lactic acid builds up in the blood during intense exercise, indicating anaerobic capacity. Higher thresholds mean better endurance and are relevant for astronauts and elderly individuals.

Rating of Perceived Exertion

A subjective measure that helps gauge exercise intensity on a scale from 1 to 10, guiding individuals to match effort levels to personal endurance.

Fatigue Resistance

The ability to perform repeated muscle actions over time without significant fatigue, indicating muscle endurance and cardiovascular health.

Hand Grip Strength

Assesses grip and forearm strength, commonly used as a general indicator of muscular health.

Limb Circumference

Measurement of limb size, used to assess muscle mass and detect atrophy.


Meta Metrics


Variability

The natural fluctuations in physiological data, reflecting adaptability and resilience of biological systems.

Personal Adaptation

Individualized physiological changes in response to exercise, highlighting the body’s ability to adapt and improve under physical demands.

Pre- and Post-Flight

Measurements taken before and after space missions or periods of immobility to assess physical changes and recovery.


Measurement Devices


Force Plate

A device that measures ground reaction forces, often used to evaluate balance, strength, and stability.

Ergometer

Measures work output, commonly used in cycling or rowing exercises to assess aerobic and anaerobic capacity.

HR Stress Tests

Test cardiovascular function under stress, monitoring heart rate and other vital metrics.

Single Breath Technique

A method for assessing lung function by measuring gas exchange from a single breath.

Gas Analyzer

Device for measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels during respiration, used to assess metabolic rate.

Dynamometer

Measures muscle force and strength, essential for evaluating physical capacity.

Isokinetic Dynamometer

Device that controls movement speed, allowing strength assessment at fixed speeds.

Hand Grip Dynamometer

Specialized dynamometer for assessing grip strength.

Torque Velocity Dynamometer

Measures the torque or force output of muscles across a range of velocities.

MRI

Used to assess muscle size, composition, and structure with high precision, often to monitor muscle mass changes in response to training, aging, or low-gravity environments.

Electrostimulator

A device that delivers controlled electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, often used to assess or maintain muscle strength. In research on microgravity or aging, it helps evaluate involuntary muscle responses and prevent atrophy when physical movement is limited.

Portable Pulmonary Function System

A mobile system for assessing lung function and respiratory health.

Ultrasound

A non-invasive imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of muscle size, structure, and quality. Ultrasound is particularly valuable for assessing muscle mass and atrophy in the limbs, providing insights into muscle health without the need for invasive procedures

metrics.txt · Last modified: 2024/11/06 19:34 by janine

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