Using noninvasive imaging to assess manual lymphatic drainage on lymphatic/venous responses in a spaceflight analog

• Published in: NPJ microgravity Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 93 - 18
• Main Authors: Barnhart, Heather, Aviles, Frank, Pannunzio, Johanna, Sirkis, Nathan, Hubbard, Chantel, Hardigan, Patrick, Ginsburg, Sabrina, Mayrovitz, Harvey, Eckert, Kristen A., Melin, M. Mark
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 03.10.2024; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 631/535; 692/1807/1447; Applied Microbiology; Astronauts; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biotechnology; Classical and Continuum Physics; Dielectric constant; Edema; Gravity; Immunology; Infrared spectroscopy; Life Sciences; Lymphatic drainage; Neck; Perfusion; Physiology; Space Exploration and Astronautics; Space flight; Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics; Spectrum analysis; Therapeutic applications; Thermography; Wound drainage
• ISSN: 2373-8065; 2373-8065
• DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00429-w

This retrospective case series (clinicaltrials.gov NCT06405282) used noninvasive imaging devices (NIID) to assess the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on dermal/venous fluid distribution, perfusion, and temperature alterations of the head, neck, upper torso, and legs while in the 6-degree head-down tilt validated spaceflight analog. A lymphatic fluid scanner measured tissue dielectric constant levels. Near-infrared spectroscopy assessed perfusion, by measuring tissue oxygenation saturation. Long-wave infrared thermography measured tissue temperature gradients. Fifteen healthy, university students participated. NIID assessments were taken 1 minute after assuming the HDT position and then every 30 minutes, with MLD administered from 180 to 195 minutes. Subjects returned to the sitting position and were assessed at post-225 min NIID demonstrated significant changes from baseline ( p  < 0.01), although these changes at areas of interest varied. MLD had a reverse effect on all variables. NIID assessment supported the potential use of MLD to mitigate fluid shifts during a spaceflight analog.