Effect of different vestibular stimulations on cardiovascular functions during short-arm centrifugation

AIM To study the effects of different vestibular stimulations on cardiovascular functions during short-arm centrifugation by observing changes in blood pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability. METHODS Twelve male subjects were exposed to short-arm centrifuge of 2Gz at feet level for 4 minutes and three times with head still, head-turns and head-raise. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured and Graybiel scores were scored according to the way it made the subjects feel. RESULTS Compared with those of centrifugation with head still, the Graybiel scores increased significantly during centrifugation with head-turns or head-raise, but the systolic pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability had no significant changes. No marked differences were found in these parameters between centrifugation with head-turns and head-raise. CONCLUSION Short-arm centrifugation with head-turns or head-raise enhances vestibular stimulation. There is no obvious difference in cardiovascular functions between the two kinds of head movements during centrifugation.