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Summary
This study will validate the experimental method and chamber facility at the Duke Center for Hyperbaric Medicine \& Environmental Physiology and test team capabilities to support NASA decompression sickness (DCS) studies. This project is related to development of protocols for extravehicular activity (EVA, "spacewalks") to minimize the risk of decompression sickness. Duke will perform four test days, collecting and recording data each day. Each test day will involve 3 volunteer subjects ages 18-50 years, who will breathe 100% oxygen for 6 hours. This will be followed by 6 hours in the hypobaric chamber at 1/3 atmosphere, during which subjects will perform various tasks, including arm and leg exercises, and undergo ultrasound testing to detect vascular bubbles. End-points will include bubble scores, and decompression sickness (DCS). If subjects develop DCS symptoms they will immediately be recompressed to ambient pressure and be assessed and treated.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
19
Start Date
2025-05-05
Completion Date
2025-08-21
Last Updated
2026-06-01
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Altitude
Subjects will be exposed to simulated altitude (30,000 ft, 4.3 psia) in a hypobaric chamber. This is the same ambient pressure to which astronauts are exposed during EVA ("space walks").
100% Oxygen
Oxygen pre-breathing prior to altitude or simulated high altitude exposure is routinely used by the Air Force, NASA and organizations such as Duke Medical Center to prevent and treat decompression sickness as well as for treatment of patients. Oxygen used for this study is medical grade.
Locations (1)
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, United States