UoG lecturer joins European Space Agency research into astronaut fitness in zero gravity
A University of Gloucestershire lecturer has entered a new kind of space race, joining researchers working with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop exercise equipment that helps astronauts stay fit in zero gravity.
Dr Hayley Legg, Senior Lecturer in Sports Sciences at the University, is part of a team trialling a lightweight exercise device designed to support effective aerobic exercise in microgravity, where astronauts can struggle to maintain the correct body position during workouts.
Astronauts can lose muscle and bone strength during space missions, such as the recent Artemis II flyby of the Moon, making exercise essential for keeping crews healthy on long journeys.
ESA has identified rowing as a promising form of aerobic exercise for future missions, but rowing in microgravity – one-millionth of Earth’s gravity – is difficult because astronauts struggle to stay properly positioned. If the exerciser is only tethered by their feet, they can quickly float out of the requisite position, making effective exercise challenging.
Dr Hayley Legg and academics from St Mary’s University are trialling a light-weight exercise device designed by Physical Mind London called HIFIm (High-Frequency Impulse for Microgravity) that may offer a solution.
HIFIm has two moving parts: one for the person exercising and one for the platform. When one part moves, the other moves the same amount in the opposite direction. This counter-movement helps keep most of the force within the machine, rather than transferring it into the aircraft or surrounding structure. As a result, the device can support exercise while reducing vibration and mechanical stress.
It is one of a number of devices being developed by researchers around the world, all competing for a place on upcoming trips into space.
The latest trials involving Olympic medallist Matthew Wells have shown for the first time that HIFIm could potentially be used to support astronaut health on space missions.
Matthew and Dr Meganne Christian, an ESA reserve astronaut, exercised on a rowing machine fitted with a HIFIm device while aboard a plane being manoeuvred to create weightless space-like conditions. They were accompanied on the flight by the researchers to monitor performance, which showed that HIFIm produced a stable and efficient rowing motion with little practice.
In enabling the researchers to replicate repeatable rowing performances in microgravity, it suggested HIFIm could provide astronauts with a multi-functional exercise device to support future long-duration space missions.
Following the success of the latest trials, the researchers have applied for funding from the European Space Agencyto support studies into the effectiveness of HIFIm in Lunar gravity, the natural force of attraction exerted by the Moon. Its effect means objects and people weight about 16.6% of their Earth weight.
Dr Legg, Senior Lecturer in Sports Sciences, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be part of the team carrying out this exciting research. Doing these studies in such a challenging environment was incredibly rewarding and an unforgettable experience.
“At the moment, exercise equipment used by astronauts is not ideal for future deep-space missions, because it does not do enough to prevent the loss of fitness, muscle strength and bone health that can happen in space. HIFIm is the smallest and lightest exercise device of its kind, making it more practical for use in space.
“Our research provides strong evidence that HIFIm can be used to provide astronauts with an effective workout.
“The findings could make a major difference to future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond by showing that astronauts can use a compact and effective exercise device to stay healthy during long space journeys.”
Main image: left to right, Dr Meganne Christian, Professor Daniel Cleather, John Kennett, Dr Hayley Legg, Matt Wells (credit John Kennett)