Physiological effects induced by antiorthostatic hypokinesia.

The main purpose of the present investigation was to reproduce some physiological reactions in the sensory system which are similar to those observed during the first day of the adaptation to weightlessness. This was achieved by a 5-day bed rest experiment during which the test subjects were kept in the antiorthostatic position at angles of 0 degrees, -4 degrees, -8 degrees, -12 degrees. Our investigations allowed simulation of the acute stage of adaptation to weightlessness and assessment of gravity-induced blood redistribution in the development of the above physiological reactions.