Variations of human cerebral and ocular blood flow during exposure to multi-axial accelerations: A mathematical modeling study

Human hemodynamic responses during exposure to multi-axial acceleration was a relatively new topic in the fields of acceleration physiology. This study aimed to focus on these responses, especially variations of blood perfusion to brain and eyes, through mathematical modeling. A mathematical model was established using lumped parameter methods, containing compartments of four heart chambers, systemic arteries and veins, circulation of typical systemic organs, and some compartments for pulmonary circulation, together with autonomic regulation considered. This model was firstly validated by using experimental data from experiment of posture change and centrifuge tests of +Gz accelerations, and then applied to analyze human hemodynamic responses to typical multi-axial accelerations. Validation results demonstrated the mathematical model could generate reasonable responses of human cardiovascular system during posture change and exposure to +Gz accelerations. Simulation results of hemodynamic responses to multi-axial accelerations depicted Gy induced significant differences of blood flow to the left and right eyes. And some contour maps were generated based on these results, which provided a quick way to estimate blood flow variations in brain and eyes during exposure to different accelerations. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]