Inactive

This requirement is to implement the Flywheel Exercise Bedrest Study at the contractor’s facility in support of NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP). The study uses strict 6° head-down tilt bed rest as... This requirement is to implement the Flywheel Exercise Bedrest Study at the contractor’s facility in support of NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP). The study uses strict 6° head-down tilt bed rest as an analog for some of the physiological adaptations experienced by astronauts during spaceflight. ‘Strict’ head-down tilt (HDT) entails ensuring adherence to the head-down tilt protocol at all times including dining, personal hygiene activities, sleep, and task/test completion. The Flywheel Exercise study will evaluate the adequacy of a NASA-provided flywheel exercise device to address long term exercise requirements for space exploration missions. This custom-built flywheel device uses rotational inertia to provide resistance through a mechanical “yo-yo” action of a spinning mass. While isoinertial flywheel-based exercise has been shown to be effective in promoting positive adaptations in muscle strength and aerobic conditioning, this particular flight-designed device has not been evaluated in a spaceflight-like environment.