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The Biomechanics of Exercise CountermeasuresThe Penn State Zero-gravity Simulator (PSZS) is a device developed by the Center for Locomotion Studies (CELOS) to enable ground studies of exercise countermeasures for the bone loss that has been shown to occur during long-term exposure to zero gravity (0G). The PSZS simulates 0G exercise by providing a suspension system that holds an individual in a horizontal (supine) position above the floor in order to enable exercise on a wall-mounted treadmill. Due to this orientation, exercise performed in the PSZS is free of the force of -ravity in the direction that would normally contribute to ground reaction forces. In order for movements to be more similar to those in 0G, a constant force suspension of each segment (equal to the segment weight) is provided regardless of limb position. During the preliminary development of the PSZS, CELOS researchers also designed an optional gravity-replacement simulation feature for the PSZS. This feature was a prototype tethering system that consisted of a spring tension system to pull an exercising individual toward the treadmill. The immediate application of the tethering system was to be the provision of gravity-replacement loading so that exercise in 0G- and 1G-loading conditions could be compared, and the PSZS could then be used to evaluate exercise countermeasures for bone loss during space flight. This tethering system would also be a model for the further refinement of gravity-replacement systems provided for astronaut usage while performing prescribed exercise countermeasures for bone loss during long-term space flights.
Document ID
20000039307
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Cavanagh, Peter R.
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA United States)
Arnold, Steven
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA United States)
Derr, Janice
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA United States)
Sharkey, Neil
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA United States)
Wu, Ge
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-6199
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-4421
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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