Objective: To develop a kind of self-generating lower body negative pressure device.
Method: The device consists of a flexible bellows, reinforced by several steel rings and sealed by gasproof adhesive plaster. An adjustable valve, a one-way flap valve, shoulder straps and handles are incorporated on the top of the bellows. The user's lower body was contained in the bellows. As the user's legs were extended, the bellows was elongated and the air pressure in it decreased.
Result: Negative pressures of -58, -46, -38 and -26 mm-Hg respectively was created with the adjustable inlet valve completely closed, one-quarter open, half open, or fully open.
Conclusion: This self-generating lower body negative pressure device combines exercise and LBNP into one thing and is safe and easy to use. It might be used in preventing cardiovascular deconditioning during spaceflight or for anti-G training of pilots.