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A hardware assembly has been developed to monitor electrocardiogram (ECG) , blood pressure, posture, and acceleration of Space Shuttle crewmembers during entry, landing, and egress from the Orbiter. ECG electrodes and a blood pressure cuff are worn by the crewmembers under their pressure suits, and cables are passed through the suits to portable monitoring equipment stowed in a pocket on the thigh. Data have been collected successfully on several flights using this instrumentation.

Many standard cardiovascular measurement techniques can be implemented on routine Space Shuttle missions to permit applied in-flight research. The electrocardiogram (ECG) , blood pressure, cardiac dimensions and function, cerebral blood flow, central venous pressure, and leg volumes can be assessed in flight. when used alone or in combination, at rest or during cardiovascular stress' this array of instrumentation provides many capabilities found in a modern cardiovascular laboratory.