ERBAL
- Space Physiology
- Robotics
- …
- Space Physiology
- Robotics
ERBAL
- Space Physiology
- Robotics
- …
- Space Physiology
- Robotics
Bridging interdisciplinary gaps between engineering and health sciences
Mitigate Microgravity Deconditioning Syndrome using Resistive Exercise as a Countermeasure
Primary Investigator:
Christine Dailey Walck, Ph. D., Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Co-Investigators:
- Eduardo Divo, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Victor Huayamave, Ph. D., Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Alesha Fleming, D.C., Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
Student Investigators:- Christopher Lamb - Aerospace Engineering
- Jennifer Perskin - Mechanical Engineering
- Giovanni Bacon - Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Jonathan Dicuia - Mechanical Engineering
AbstractWe propose to design an optimized lower extremity force acquisition system (LEFAS) that integrates with a lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) box and subject-specific protocols for improved fitness results by taking a computationally simulated optimization approach. Such an approach uses multidimensional response surface and musculoskeletal (MSK) modeling within a simulated microgravity environment. The combination of LEFAS, LBNP, and personalized controls will combat microgravity deconditioning syndrome including induced muscle atrophy, bone decalcification, and poor cardiovascular health minimizing the gap between pre-flight and post-flight syndrome, allowing astronauts to respond to emergencies, and remain healthy during and after extended space travel. Current countermeasures to date on the International Space Station lack sufficient mechanical and physiological loads to maintain preflight MSK mass, strength, and aerobic capacity. The LEFAS/LBNP countermeasure combines two forms of resistance achieving required loads and allowing for exploration at greater distances from Earth and extended stays in space. In parallel, we will educate our students, teachers, and community about solving the challenges of human space travel using advanced modeling techniques and ground-based experiments. This research is consistent with the Human Exploration and Operations mission and vision, specifically the Human Research Program.
*The multidimensional response surface incorporates the estimated muscle properties as a function of exercise parameters such as type, level, repetitions, and speed. The response surface will consist of a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) network of the parameterized data interconnected by a Radial-Basis function (RBF) interpolation scheme.
*Parameterized data: a series of the biomechanical responses found from an inverse dynamic toolchain. Using these responses, the interpolation algorithm learns from progressive calculations and outputs an ideal response that will then extrapolate a set of new parameters. These new parameters will aid in the development of a singular, optimized exercise.
*To test the code’s accuracy, the POD-RBF was specified to interpolate to a dataset for 41 lower extremity muscle forces during a squat movement using the ISS’s ARED. Initial results show an average difference of 1.30% between the interpolation and the OpenSim static optimization results, with larger errors seen at datasets having non-zero minimum forces.
The benefit to the Space Industry
Developing models capable of simulating the rate of change of space-induced muscle atrophy and bone loss during a variety of movements provides a means to understand musculoskeletal properties during long-term spaceflight. Furthermore, by pairing these simulations with an interpolation algorithm that learns from progressive calculations, we can achieve an ideal response that will then extrapolate a set of new parameters. These new parameters will aid in the development of a singular, optimized exercise and protocol preventing space-deconditioning syndrome. Such a solution will provide the progression of space travel independent of the ever-looming health impacts on the astronauts.
Funding
1) Embry-Riddle’s Faculty Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST) Program 2020-2021
2) Florida Space Grant Consortium 2020-2021
Publications
CMBBE 2021 Abstract - 17th International Symposium on Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering
and the 5th Conference on Imaging and Visualization.
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386-226-7418
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