Responsible Center: NASA JSC
Grant Monitor: Norsk, Peter
Center Contact:
Peter.norsk@nasa.gov
Unique ID: 8167
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Solicitation / Funding Source: SBIR Phase II
Grant/Contract No.: NNX10CB13C
Project Type: GROUND
Flight Program:
TechPort: No |
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:
No. of Master's Candidates:
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No. of PhD Degrees:
No. of Master's Degrees:
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
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| Human Research Program Elements: |
(1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
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| Human Research Program Risks: |
(1) Muscle:Risk of Impaired Performance Due to Reduced Muscle Size, Strength and Endurance
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| Human Research Program Gaps: |
(1) M9:Identify and validate exploration countermeasure hardware for the maintenance of muscle function.
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| Flight Assignment/Project Notes: |
NOTE: End date is 2/1/2012 per HRP Master Task List information (previous end date was 9/3/2011)--Ed., 11/22/2011 |
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| Task Description: |
Spaceflight adaptations include muscle atrophy, decreased bone mineral density and reduced aerobic capacity making effective resistance exercise countermeasure hardware necessary for safe and successful space exploration. Real-time control is applied to an electric servo-motor to provide resistance in a lightweight, compact, and reconfigurable design. The key real-time force control with the ability to accurately simulate a freeweight lift was successfully demonstrated during Phase 1. A cycle ergometer will be integrated into the system to provide aerobic exercise and power generation. The technical objectives for Phase 2 include the development of a compact flight configuration prototype that supports a variety of exercise modes. The loads are adjustable in 2.5 kg increments to maintain muscle strength and bone density. Limited human subject testing will demonstrate functionality spanning entire anthropometric range.
POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The proposed exercise countermeasure could be used in virtually any aspect of NASA's current and proposed human spaceflight missions. Near-term application aboard the International Space Station could serve as an on-orbit trial for the system. The next major application envisioned for the system is aboard the Altair lunar lander. Initial lunar missions are expected to be a week duration, but Altair is designed to allow the crew to operate on the lunar surface for more than 200 days. Later missions are expected to be of relatively long duration in order to enable NASA to prepare for Mars missions that will involve extended stays. These long term missions will require a resistance exercise system in order to enable the crew to maintain muscle mass and bone density. |
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| Research Impact/Earth Benefits: |
Free weights are the gold standard for resistance exercise, but a sizable market has developed that revolves around alternatives to free weights. Spring-based systems are well known, do not accurately simulate the lifting of free weights. Free weights and weight stack-based system tend require significant floor space. There is a market for a compact exercise system that can be easily stored, but that provides the benefits associated with free weights.
Stroke victims often experience muscle weakness and paralysis of one or both sides of the body. Intensive movement practice helps "rewire" the brain. More specifically, undamaged cortical areas can assume control functions that were previously allocated to damaged areas. Streamline Automation is pursuing the development a derivative controlled physical therapy system. It will be capable of providing motion assistance to guide the upper and lower-body limbs to help restore coordination, balance, and strength. |
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