Exercise load index and changes in body weight during long-duration confinement in an isolated environment

Area of Science:

• Space Medicine
• Human Physiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Simulating International Space Station (ISS) conditions requires understanding physiological and psychological responses to long-duration confinement.
• Investigating factors affecting crew performance and well-being is crucial for future space missions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between exercise load and body weight during simulated long-duration spaceflight.
• To assess crew motivation and adaptation to isolation in a closed environment.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of subjects underwent 240-day (Group I) and 110-day (Group II) confinement experiments.
• Exercise load was measured using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale.
• Subjective motivation was assessed through free reports, and body weight was monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

• Lower exercise loads and adaptation problems were observed in the first month of isolation for Group I.
• Group II experienced reduced exercise load and motivation loss in the second month, with one subject withdrawing early.
• Significant body weight differences were noted between groups and nationalities; one subject gained weight.

Conclusions:

• Exercise load serves as a potential indicator of adaptation challenges and motivation fluctuations in confined environments.
• Confinement factors like immobility, limited space, and smoking cessation did not significantly impact overall body weight.