Vital capacity and airflow measured from partial flow-volume curves during 5 degrees head-down tilt.

Ten healthy young males were subjected to 7 min of 5 degrees head-down tilt, during which their forced vital capacity, peak flow rate (from complete flow-volume curves), and MEF 40% and 25% (airflows when 40% and 25% of the vital capacity remains in the lungs) from the partial curves were measured. The values of these variables and the heart rate and blood pressure were not significantly different from the values obtained in the supine position. In view of these findings it is concluded that the increase in the intra-thoracic blood volume, known to occur with 5 degrees head-down tilt used as a model for simulating weightlessness, does not embarrass respiratory mechanics.