Virtual Reality Training System in Space with Effective Sensory Feedback for Preventing Musculoskeletal Atrophy
- Paper number
IAC-07-A1.2.06
- Author
Mr. Toshifumi Ochiai, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
- Coauthor
Prof. Yoshihiko Tagawa, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
- Coauthor
Prof. Naoto Shiba, Kurume University Hospital, Japan
- Year
2007
- Abstract
It is well known that musculoskeletal atrophy due to disuse and deconditioning arises among astronauts and bedridden patients. For instance, the atrophy of the muscles and bones of astronauts during a condition of microgravity was as follows: muscle cross sections decreased by 7We proposed a "hybrid exercise method" (HYB exercise) in which antagonist is stimulated electrically to generate resistance force against volitional contraction of agonist. The HYB exercise would become a useful exercise method in a weightless environment because of induced muscular forces in oneself. The HYB exercise was examined in upper and lower limbs under normal gravity and simulated microgravity conditions. We confirmed its advantages, but found it be tedious in a long-term exercise. Astronauts have to perform exercise to maintain musculoskeletal system 2 hours/day for 6 days/week during space flight. The motivation for the exercise may be decreased by repeated monotonous movements every day in long-term space flight. In addition, astronauts may be stressed mentally due to limited communication. The purpose of this study is to develop a useful training system for maintaining or increasing motivation to exercise. The training system is based on virtual reality (VR) including entertainment. The VR system with entertainment has sensory feedback of visual and force to improve realistic sensations. The joint angles of subjects are measured to adjust the intensity of electrical stimulation and to draw computer graphics of movements of them. In each drawing it was important to decide the point of observation of the subjects. The subject can perceive electrically induced contraction in antagonist an external force with contracting agonist volitionally. That is, the HYB exercise creates virtual gravity in weightless environments. A proposed VR training system will give relief from the stress and the atrophy in long-term space flight.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-A1.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.