Effects of long-term microgravity exposure in space on circadian rhythms of heart rate variability

Abstract

We evaluated their circadian rhythms using data from electrocardiographic records and examined the change in circadian period related to normal RR intervals for astronauts who completed a long-term (≥6-month) mission in space. The examinees were seven astronauts, five men and two women, from 2009 to 2010. Their mean ± SD age was 52.0 ± 4.2 years (47–59 yr). Each stayed in space for more than 160 days; their average length of stay was 172.6 ± 14.6 days (163–199 days). We conducted a 24-h Holter electrocardiography before launch (Pre), at one month after launch (DF1), at two months after launch (DF2), at two weeks before return (DF3), and at three months after landing (Post), comparing each index of frequency-domain analysis and 24-h biological rhythms of the NN intervals (normal RR intervals). Results show that the mean period of Normal Sinus (NN) intervals was within 24 ± 4 h at each examination. Inter-individual variability differed among the stages, being significantly smaller at DF3 (Pre versus DF1 versus DF3 versus Post = 22.36 ± 2.50 versus 25.46 ± 4.37 versus 22.46 ± 1.75 versus 26.16 ± 7.18 h, p < 0.0001). The HF component increased in 2 of 7 astronauts, whereas it decreased in 3 of 7 astronauts and 1 was remained almost unchanged at DF1. During DF3, about 6 months after their stay in space, the HF component of 5 of 7 astronauts recovered from the decrease after launch, with prominent improvement to over 20% in 3 astronauts. Although autonomic nervous functions and circadian rhythms were disturbed until one month had passed in space, well-scheduled sleep and wake rhythms and meal times served as synchronizers.

• Circadian period
• heart rate variability
• long space flight

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank, Dr. Tayama I, Aiba T and Ishida S from the Space Biomedical Research Office, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for co-operation our study. The authors would like to also acknowledge the astronauts, the engineers, staff and managers of JAXA and NASA for co-operation.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.