Computer-Controlled Force Generator, Phase II

Extended stays in reduced gravity environments lead to a decrease in bone density and muscular deterioration if proper countermeasures are not taken. Studies have shown that crewmembers of the International Space Station can lose up to 2% per month in bone mass and 32% in muscle strength during a 6 month stay. To counteract this phenomenon, several pieces of exercise equipment have been developed. These pieces range from elastic bands to more complex pieces of equipment such as the interim Resistive Exercise Device (iRED) and the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). The iRED does not generate sufficient force for effective resistive exercise, whereas the ARED has been proven to be sufficient for maintaining muscle mass and bone density. The ARED, however, is large and heavy, making it unsuitable for incorporation into a small spacecraft for long duration space travel. The NGRED is able to generate sufficient resistive force for effective resistive exercise (up to 600 lbf) and is able to provide eccentric overload to further increase the efficiency of a resistive exercise session. Furthermore, the NGRED is lightweight, low power, compact, and user friendly, making it perfectly suitable for inclusion in a small spacecraft for long-duration missions. Average power consumption of the NGRED will be less than 50 W during operation, the volume will be less than 55 L and the weight will be less than 20 kg. The NGRED has markets in academic research, physical therapy, athletic departments and fitness industry. The NGRED can be used in home-gyms to replace the heavy weight-stacks and add an electronic interface to monitor progress or to share results with a remote coach or friends online. There is much research being performed to study the physiological benefits of different load profiles during strength training, with the majority of this work being focused on the effects of eccentric overload. The NGRED is perfectly suited for this because the amount of eccentric overload can be precisely controlled and set by entering the desired value on the user-interface. The NGRED also allows the study of custom load profiles throughout an exercise motion. For this application the NGRED has unique capabilities in that can match a user's range of motion (ROM) in seconds and then apply a custom load profile based on the ROM while logging position and force data at 16 kHz. Lastly, the features of the NGRED make it ideal for physical therapy centers. With the NGRED, strength training can be designed to precisely meet the needs of the patient by providing resistive loads only where desired during the range of motion. To market our device, we will use a proven commercialization pathway, building credibility through sports medicine research and incorporation into physical therapy facilities, leading to large sales in athletic departments, fitness centers, and ultimately in home markets. More »