Comparison of isoinertial to simulated inertial force from a controlled resistance exercise device for spaceflight - biomed 2011

Spaceflight leads to muscle and bone atrophy, and isoinertial (free-weight) exercises provide a sufficient stimulus to elicit increases in both muscle strength and bone mineral density in earth-based studies. Therefore, a computer controlled resistance exercise device is being developed for NASA that is able to simulate the inertial loading experienced when lifting a mass on earth. The ground reaction force with the device is compared to the ground reaction force measured during isoinertial dead-lifts over a full spectrum of resistance levels. Results indicate promise of adequately simulating the inertial effects experienced during terrestrial exercise by compensating for the difference by calibrating the control signal with the addition of (-7.27 + 0.03*desired resistance level) percent to the base desired resistance level.