Volunteers Spend 60 Days in Bed to Simulate Space Conditions
Astronauts face numerous challenges in space, including the effects of microgravity on their bodies. Bone density decreases, muscles shrink, and bodily fluids shift, leading to vision problems.
To combat these effects, 12 volunteers are participating in the Bed Rest with Artificial Gravity and Cycling Exercise (BRACE) study. Conducted by the Institute for Space Medicine and Physiology (MEDES) and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and French Space Agency (CNES), the study investigates the effects of artificial gravity on astronauts.
Study Design
The participants, healthy men aged 20-45, are divided into three groups:
- Control group: Resting in bed for 60 days
- Bed rest with cycling: Resting in bed and exercising regularly on a cycling machine
- Bed rest with cycling and centrifuge: Resting in bed, cycling, and periodically spinning in a centrifuge to simulate artificial gravity
All participants must keep at least one shoulder on the bed at all times. They will receive payments of $19,300 over four years.
Physiological Measurements
Before and after the 60-day bed rest period, researchers will conduct a range of physiological tests, including:
- Neurological health
- Cardiovascular health
- Metabolic health
- Muscular health
- Bone health
- Urinary, blood, opthalmological, and psychological evaluations
These measurements will help scientists understand the effects of artificial gravity on the human body.
Applications for Space and Earth
Artificial gravity could improve the health of astronauts on long-duration space missions. It may also have applications for people on Earth, such as:
- Elderly individuals
- Bedridden patients
- People with musculoskeletal conditions
- People with osteoporosis
Bed rest studies like BRACE provide valuable insights into the effects of immobilization on the human body. This research can be applied to rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from surgery or serious illness.
Cycling in Bed Improves Bone Health for Astronauts
The BRACE study is the first in Europe to include cycling as part of the bed rest protocol. Researchers believe that cycling may help to maintain bone density in astronauts.
Previous studies have shown that bed rest can lead to a decrease in bone density of 1-1.5% per month. This is a significant concern for astronauts who may spend months or even years in space.
Cycling is a weight-bearing exercise that can help to maintain bone density. By incorporating cycling into the BRACE study, researchers hope to learn more about the effects of artificial gravity on bone health.
Artificial Gravity Cycling Improves Cardiovascular Health for Astronauts
Artificial gravity cycling may also improve cardiovascular health for astronauts. In space, the lack of gravity causes bodily fluids to shift, putting pressure on the heart and blood vessels. This can lead to a decrease in blood volume and a drop in blood pressure.
Artificial gravity cycling can help to counteract these effects by increasing blood flow and maintaining blood pressure. This may reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems for astronauts on long-duration space missions.
Conclusion
The BRACE study is providing valuable insights into the effects of artificial gravity on the human body. This research could lead to new ways to improve the health of astronauts in space and people on Earth with limited mobility.
