Design and Development, Musculoskeletal Modeling and Experimental Evaluation of the Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensor for the International Space Station (EDLS-ISS)
Roedolph Opperman, MVL
It is well known that prolonged exposure to the microgravity environment of space leads to a reduction in bone and muscle. Despite vigorous exercise protocols implemented on the International Space Station (ISS) to mitigate musculoskeletal deconditioning among crewmembers, bone loss and muscle atrophy is observed even when countermeasures are in effect. These exercise countermeasure systems currently do not provide any means for on-orbit biomechanical data collection and analysis. The objective of this research effort is to improve the understanding of astronaut joint loading during resistive exercise in microgravity through the use of quantitative dynamic analysis, simulation and experimentation. This is accomplished with the development, simulation and evaluation of a self-contained load sensing system, the Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensor for the International Space Station (EDLS-ISS). Data obtained through the EDLS-ISS system may be used to characterize joint loading, optimize exercise protocols to mitigate musculoskeletal deconditioning and lead to the design of improved, lightweight exercise equipment for use during long-duration spaceflight, including future missions to Mars.