Electromagnetic Muscle Strain Simulator (EMMSS)

Find a way to adapt common gym tools for a reduced gravity environment and design a workout routine that can minimize bone and muscular loss while being fun and easy to use during a long term mission. In doing so consider constraints regarding weight (equipment should weigh less than 500kg) and dimensions. Consider incorporating virtual reality to simulate a jog through an astronaut’s favorite Earth destinations or incorporate gaming to motivate users.

1. Introduction

Astronauts are subjected to microgravity while in the International Space Station (ISS). The consequences of prolonged exposure in microgravity include loss of bone density and muscle mass due to the inactivity of muscles in this type environment. Modified workout stations such as the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) and Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill (COLBERT) have been developed to help simulate working out with weights and running on a treadmill in a microgravity environment to hinder loss of bone density and muscle mass. However, with the ARED, the range of motion while performing an exercise is limited to the path of levers attached to the vacuum cylinders.This restricted motion only focuses the major muscle group and neglects the supporting muscles. This can result to chronic injuries or poor posture.

1. Materials

1. Powerful Electromagnetic Base
2. Magnetic Metal Bars (modified for stability)
3. Current Controller

2. Mechanics

A relatively strong electromagnet, with a large surface area, along with a current controller can be mounted on a floor on the International Space Station (ISS). A magnetic metal is placed on top of the electromagnet. The current controller determines the force produced by the electromagnet to simulate weight. A large surface area is recommended to increase the size of the magnetic flux or magnetic field lines. This allows the user to perform complex motions needed in several workouts.