REABHILITATION IN MICROGRAVITY: a neurophysiological approach

Paper number

IAC-15,A1,IP,8,x31533

Author

Dr. Irene Lia Schlacht, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Marco Ivaldi, Centro Ricerche Scienze Motorie, SUISM, Università degi Studi di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Luisa Pizzigalli, Scuola Universitaria Interfacoltà di Scienze Motorie dell'Università di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Margherita Micheletti Cremasco, Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Melchiorre Masali, Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Gennaro Boccia, Centro Ricerche Scienze Motorie, SUISM, Università degi Studi di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Bernard Foing, ESA/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Giovanni Cugliari, Centro Ricerche Scienze Motorie, SUISM, Università degi Studi di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Mario Benassai, Altec S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Mrs. Tanja Lehmann, Mars Society Germany, Verein zur Förderung der Raumfahrt, Germany

Year

2015

Abstract

Considering that in micro-gravity demineralization (calcium loss in particular) occurs with an average of 1-2 \% each 30 days, astronauts in a travel to Mars could easily encounter osteoporosis and the break of bones without the possibility of re-entry for physical rehabilitation. Starting by the research done since 2006 by the Microgymn group, this paper present investigations on the field of neurophysiological applications for physical rehabilitation during long-duration space travel in micro-gravity. Experiment in comparative states such as: parabolic flight, earth gravity and neutral buoyancy are described with the function to test possible solution and countermeasure. A strong innovation is applied proposing a new approach that apply rehabilitation with comfortable, easy to use and non-intrusive equipment based mostly on rehabilitative isometric exercise, without machine. Specific investigations are developed to emphasize changes in the recognition of afferences by the sensory and motor cortex, using also quantitative EEG. Movements capacity are also investigated.
Findings will permit to create rehabilitation protocols helpful for astronauts working in zero gravity conditions.

Abstract document

IAC-15,A1,IP,8,x31533.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-15,A1,IP,8,x31533.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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