Ground-based Biomechanical Analyses of Resistance Exercise Using the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device
Project Description
The new integrated resistance and aerobic training study (SPRINT) exercise prescription is being designed using ground-based evidence with the intent of increasing the loads experienced by the musculoskeletal system during in-flight exercise. Prescription optimization is dependent upon a complete understanding of exercise biomechanics in order to include exercises that are most beneficial to increasing crewmember health. Furthermore, variations in exercise biomechanics of specific exercises, such as the range of motion during the performance of the parallel squat, could have large influences upon the loads experienced by the musculoskeletal system. A detailed biomechanical analysis is required to determine which variations lead to the greatest site-specific joint loading forces and can be used to inform the optimal exercise prescription. The objective of this project was to determine the joint loads that occur during exercise in microgravity on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). The goal is to determine the best exercises for use during crewmember exercise during long-term missions.
There are various complexities with performing in-flight investigations. In order to maximize the potential for the most relevant data to be collected with minimal impact on crew time, we propose a two-phase program. Biomechanical analyses need to occur during actual exercise in microgravity to ensure optimal application of the results. However, since crew time is limited, ground-based evaluations should occur prior to in-flight data collection to ensure that the analyses performed on International Space Station (ISS) are completed as efficiently as possible. We propose to complete the analysis in three phases. Phase 1, which is detailed in this study, involved a detailed data collection on ground while subjects performed variations of squat and deadlift exercises on the ARED. Variations of each exercise included placement of the feet, speed of the lift, and range of motion and were examined. A computational model was used to compute joint loads and torques during each exercise. Six subjects (3 M/3 F) of small, medium, and large body types as described by NASA anthropometric standards were tested. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the joint loading that occurred during typical resistance exercise on the ARED. The goal was to better understand the kinematic and kinetic similarities between exercise variations and to determine a subset of exercises that will be included in a future proposal that will include a biomechanical analysis of exercise on the ISS using the subset of exercises determined during phase 2.
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Resistance exercise is a common activity performed by individuals wishing to increase muscular strength and bone health. Crewmembers perform squat and deadlift exercise to load the lower extremity and core musculature and the axial skeleton. Each exercise is fundamentally similar in that a subject performs hip, knee, and ankle flexion and extension as a load is lowered and raised. During the lowering phase, musculature primarily acts eccentrically, while during the raise musculature primarily acts concentrically. Squat and deadlift exercises are common activities performed in exercise programs used by athletes and during rehabilitation from injury.
Each exercise can be modified by increasing or decreasing stance width, movement velocity, and/or range of motion. Although the fundamental movement remains the same, these variations or combinations thereof may result in differences in long-term training effects. In order for practitioners to better understand and utilize these variations in creating optimal exercise programs, the joint motions and loads need to be quantified. This research, because it was performed in normal gravity, is beneficial to strength coaches, rehabilitation personnel, and scientists who use squat and deadlift exercise as a part of their exercise programs. In addition, this is the first study to quantify the hip joint motions in the frontal and transverse planes, which is important in differentiating between exercise variations and better understanding why slight variations load the musculoskeletal system differently.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Houston, Texas |
| KBRwyle, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Houston, Texas |
| Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine | Supporting Organization | Academia | Chicago, Illinois |
| Universities Space Research Association (USRA) | Supporting Organization | Non-Profit Institution | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Texas
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.