Development of a training method for weightless environment using both electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle...

Area of Science:

• Space medicine
• Human physiology
• Exercise science

Background:

• Astronauts experience severe skeletal muscle atrophy in microgravity, a major challenge for space exploration.
• Hybrid training (HYB), integrating electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction, is a potential countermeasure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a wearable HYB device and virtual reality (VR) system for space applications.
• To assess HYB exercise efficacy and user experience in microgravity (muG) conditions.

Main Methods:

• A wearable HYB device and VR system were tested during parabolic flights simulating muG.
• A single subject performed knee joint HYB exercises at 1G, 2G, and muG.

Main Results:

• The HYB device and VR system performed well in muG.
• Knee extension was sufficient and velocity consistent in muG, unlike in 1G and 2G.
• VR enhanced the congruity between actual and instructed joint motions in muG.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid training is a viable method for mitigating muscle atrophy in space.
• The developed wearable HYB and VR system show promise for astronaut training.
• VR integration improves exercise performance and adherence in microgravity environments.