[Development and application of self-powered short arm human centrifuge].

OBJECTIVE

To present the development and application of a self-powered short arm human centrifuge.

METHOD: Self-powered short arm human centrifuge consisted of human power, adjustable resistance trig, short arm and supporting construction parts. It was driven by human power. The short arm turned around the supporting part so artificial gravity is produced. The physical load can be adjusted by the adjustable resistance part. G-level depends on the rotative velocity of the central shaft. Nine healthy male volunteers received self-powered short arm human centrifuge training for 5 min per day with rotative velocity of 30-34 r min-1 for 7 d. Cardiac pumping function was measured before and after training.

RESULT: Heart rate (HR) decreased significantly while left ventricular ejection time (LVET) increased significantly after 3 d training, and HR and LVET changed further after 7 d training. Stroke volume increased significantly only after 7 d training.

CONCLUSION

Self-powered short arm human centrifuge combines artificial gravity and exercise and included other advantages of safety and economy of construction. Cardiac pumping function could be improved by 7 d training. It may be used for anti-G physiological training or as a countermeasure to counteract the effect of microgravity.