Working ability ergometric testing of Russian cosmonauts during long-term flights

Area of Science:

• Space Medicine
• Human Physiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• The MC-108 test is a mandatory graded intensity treadmill exercise for Russian cosmonauts.
• It simulates reduced gravity by applying 60-70% body weight attraction to a rubber belt.
• The test assesses physical condition and informs personalized training for spaceflight adaptation and return to Earth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the accuracy of specific ergometric and pulse indices collected during cosmonaut treadmill testing.
• To lay the groundwork for developing an automated expert system for monitoring cosmonaut physical condition.
• To enable objective physical state evaluation and training prescription for future long-duration space missions with limited Earth contact.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ergometric data (e.g., workload, duration) obtained during the MC-108 test.
• Evaluation of physiological responses, specifically heart rate (pulse indices).
• Comparison of objective test results with expert assessments (implied, as part of current control).

Main Results:

• Preliminary validation of selected ergometric and pulse indices for cosmonaut physical state assessment.
• Demonstration of the potential for objective, computer-based evaluation of physical fitness.
• Identification of key physiological markers suitable for automated monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Selected ergometric and pulse indices show promise for objective evaluation of cosmonaut physical condition.
• This study represents a crucial first step towards developing an automated system for monitoring and prescribing physical training in space.
• Automated systems are essential for managing crew physical health during future long-duration missions with reduced Earth communication.