Effects of typical physical tasks on localized human thermophysiology in low-pressure environments
10.16289/j.cnki.1002-0837.2025.02004
- VernacularTitle:低压环境下典型体力作业对人体局部热生理影响的研究
- Author:
Qing ZHANG
1
;
Jiachen NIE
;
Chao SUN
;
Jing ZHANG
;
Tian LIU
;
Tiejiang YUAN
;
Xinxing FENG
;
Li DING
Author Information
1. 北京航空航天大学生物与医学工程学院,生物力学和力生物学实验室(教育部),北京市生物医学工程高精尖创新中心,北京 100191
- Keywords:
spaceflight;
low-pressure environment;
workload;
thermophysiology;
skin temperature
- From:Space Medicine & Medical Engineering
2025;36(2):107-111
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective Performing physical tasks in the low-pressure environment of space poses a significant physiological challenge for astronauts.This study investigates the localized thermophysiological effects of typical physical tasks on different body segments and analyzes the mechanisms by which low-pressure environments influence human task performance.The findings aim to provide a theoretical basis for the thermal control design of spacesuits,focusing on both localized thermoregulation and overall task performance.Methods Two typical physical tasks—15 kg weighted walking and 25 kg load-carrying—were conducted in a simulated low-pressure composite environment chamber.The chamber was set to an altitude-equivalent pressure of 57 kPa(4500 m),with a temperature of 26℃and humidity of 40％.Six non-acclimatized adult male participants were recruited.After environmental stabilization,12-point skin temperatures were recorded throughout the tasks,and localized temperature data were statistically analyzed.Results Under low-pressure conditions,different body regions exhibited distinct thermal responses over time depending on the task type,while the same body region showed varied responses under different task conditions.During walking,temperatures in the primary active regions(thighs and calves)decreased,with most other body regions(except the pelvis and feet)gradually cooling as the task progressed.In contrast,during load-carrying,temperatures in the primary active regions(back and upper arm muscles)increased significantly.Conclusion Astronauts performing different tasks in low-pressure environments experience distinct localized thermophysiological effects.Therefore,spacesuit thermal control systems should not only account for task intensity and metabolic differences but also adapt localized heating/cooling based on task-specific thermal profiles.This approach enables targeted intelligent thermal regulation,enhancing operational support in specific mission scenarios.
