NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) 20170000271: Novel Musculoskeletal Loading and Assessment System

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by  NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Novel Musculoskeletal Loading
and Assessment System
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Meghan E. Downs 281-483-0863 or [email protected]
HAT: 6.3.d TA: Human System Research priority area (TA06) TRL: start 4 / current 6
120

OVERVIEW n
Fig. 2. Average
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• Ground based and ISS exercise research have shown o joint ROM at
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that axial loading via two-point loading at the shoulders s the hip, knee,
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e r 60
and load quality (i.e. consistent load and at least 1:1 g and ankle was
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concentric to eccentric ratio) are extremely important to a 40 similar between
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optimize musculoskeletal adaptations to resistance n squat
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exercise. J conditions.
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• The Advanced Resistance Exercise Device (ARED) is Hip Knee Ankle
on ISS now and is the “state of the art” for resistance Free Weight Squat MLS Squat
exercise capabilities in microgravity; however, the
ARED is far too large and power consuming for
exploration vehicles
• The single cable exercise device design selected for
MPCV, does not readily allow for the two-point loading
at the shoulders.
INNOVATION
• We developed a novel light
weight and compact hardware
innovation, the musculoskeletal
loading system (MLS) and “Smart
Bar” to optimize single cable
Fig. 7. Continuous measurement of force at the “Smart
exercise device capabilities and
Bar” and small exercise device during squat exercise.
measure spaceflight induced
losses in musculoskeletal health
during exploration class missions
PARTNERSHIPS / COLLABORATIONS
(Fig 1).
• This technology development fostered successful
Fig 1. Squat exercise
• The ability to measure muscle
collaborations with industry partners (Quantum
using the MLS and
strength is not even available on
Fitness) and other NASA centers (GRC).
“Smart Bar” attached
ISS today.
to a single cable
• With a second year of IR&D funding we have
exercise device.
expanded our collaborations to include University of
OUTCOME
Houston and University of Minnesota.
• The MLS and “Smart Bar” were successfully designed,
fabricated, and tested.
PAPERS / PRESENTATIONS
• Squat biomechanic form using the MLS attached to a
NA
single cable exercise device was similar to the “gold
standard” free weight squat (Fig. 2).
FUTURE WORK
• Load measured by the “Smart Bar” was similar to the
• A second year of IR&D funding was awarded to
small exercise device load, indicating that the MLS
expand and refine the MLS and “Smart Bar”.
maintained load quality (Fig. 3).
• Funding has been secured for parabolic flight testing
in FY17.
2016 JSC Technology Showcase