Pilot Study Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) 2009

Decompression to altitude: assumptions, experimental evidence, and future directions.

Foster PP, Butler BD — Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 2009

View Original on PubMed PMID 19074573

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers conducted a review to discuss unresolved topics concerning the relationship between muscle activity, decompression, and microgravity in altitude decompression.

What They Found

The review highlighted that while altitude decompression illness (DCI) is common in ground-based simulations, no cases have been reported during actual extravehicular activities (EVAs) in microgravity. Robust experimental evidence demonstrates the role of skeletal muscle activity in bubble formation and DCI occurrence, with exercise showing both positive and negative effects on bubble formation during hypobaric exposure.

Canadian Relevance

This review article does not have a direct Canadian connection.

Study Limitations

A limitation of this review is its reliance on existing, sometimes conflicting, experimental evidence and the continued presence of unresolved questions regarding the precise mechanisms of decompression illness.

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Study Details

Study Type	Pilot Study
Category	Decompression Sickness
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	19074573
Year Published	2009
Journal	Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
MeSH Terms	Altitude; Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Decompression; Decompression Sickness; Embolism, Air; Exercise; Gait; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Models, Biological; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Nitric Oxide; Nitrogen

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This study relates to Decompression Sickness. Read the full clinical overview, the evidence base, and Canadian treatment access for this condition.

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 2, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology