Analytical comparison of physiological parameters in participants during an analog space mission

Background Long-duration space missions expose crew members to isolation, confinement, and altered environmental conditions that may affect physiological homeostasis. Terrestrial analog environments provide an opportunity to investigate these effects under controlled conditions. However, data describing short-term physiological responses to isolation remain limited and heterogeneous. Objective This study aimed to descriptively evaluate changes in selected physiological parameters during a 14-day isolated analog mission conducted at the LunAres Research Station. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in 40 healthy adult participants. Body weight, core body temperature, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured on Days 1, 7, and 14 of the mission. Data were analyzed descriptively due to the limited sample size and non-normal distribution of several variables. Distribution characteristics were assessed using Q–Q plots. Results Across the observation period, all measured physiological parameters remained within established physiological reference ranges. No consistent temporal trends were observed at the group level. Inter-individual variability was evident for all parameters, particularly for body weight and cardiovascular measures. Distribution analyses demonstrate deviations from normality, supporting the use of descriptive rather than inferential statistical approaches. No clinically relevant adverse physiological changes were identified during the mission. Conclusion Short-term isolation under controlled analog conditions was not associated with clinically significant alterations in basic physiological parameters in healthy adults. The findings highlight substantial inter-individual variability and underscore the importance of cautious interpretation of physiological data derived from analog environments. Future studies should incorporate higher-frequency monitoring, standardized measurement protocols, and additional physiological and psychological markers to better characterize adaptive responses to prolonged isolation.