Overview
Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Training with Small Compact Exercise Equipment
Principal Investigator:
Lori Ploutz-Snyder, Ph.D.
Organization:
Universities Space Research Association
Technical Summary
This project aims to validate in an analog setting a small compact exercise device for the protection of cardiovascular, muscle and bone health. This study leverages both currently funded NSBRI and NASA work to bring together for the first time, a promising new exercise device and exercise prescription, thus placing this study at a high countermeasure readiness level (moving from 6 to 7). More specifically, the NSBRI-funded multi-mode exercise device (M-MED) uses a flywheel to provide loading for either high force-low repetition resistance exercise or low force-high repetition, endurance exercise (rowing).
Recent data support M-MED training effectiveness in both ambulatory subjects and during 10 days of muscle unloading using unilateral lower limb suspension model. Accordingly, a new NASA-funded exercise prescription study integrating resistance and aerobic training (iRAT) has been effective in the preservation of muscle and cardiovascular function during 14 days of bed rest, but requires the use of five different exercise machines.
This project will combine the M-MED and the iRAT exercise prescription into a 70-day bed-rest study. Outcome measurements related to cardiovascular, muscle and bone health will be obtained and integrated to assess countermeasure effectiveness.