Advisor(s)
Dr. Louis DiBerardino
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
11-4-2025 12:50 PM
Abstract
Long-duration space missions pose significant challenges to astronaut health, primarily due to the detrimental effects of microgravity on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. This research proposal aims to address the critical gap between pre- and post-spaceflight physiological conditions, focusing on the marked decline in muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Existing countermeasures, such as resistive exercise, are insufficient to prevent muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, highlighting the need for novel solutions. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) emerges as a promising intervention, capable of eliciting muscle contractions to maintain function and mitigate atrophy. By integrating NMES into existing exercise regimens, we hypothesize enhanced efficacy in preserving lower body musculature, maintaining bone density, and supporting cardiovascular health. This proposal leverages findings from dynamometer force acquisition and bed rest studies, combined with meta-analytic insights into NMES's effectiveness in clinical settings, to optimize protocols for spaceflight application. The ultimate goal is to develop robust countermeasures ensuring astronaut health for safe interplanetary travel. Further investigations including OpenSim software modeling and predictive framework will be investigated in this research for later implementation and analysis.
Recommended Citation
Scheideger, Caleb E., "Minimizing the Gap between Pre-and Post Spaceflight: Preliminary Study" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 64.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/64
Open Access
Available to all.
Minimizing the Gap between Pre-and Post Spaceflight: Preliminary Study
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Long-duration space missions pose significant challenges to astronaut health, primarily due to the detrimental effects of microgravity on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. This research proposal aims to address the critical gap between pre- and post-spaceflight physiological conditions, focusing on the marked decline in muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Existing countermeasures, such as resistive exercise, are insufficient to prevent muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, highlighting the need for novel solutions. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) emerges as a promising intervention, capable of eliciting muscle contractions to maintain function and mitigate atrophy. By integrating NMES into existing exercise regimens, we hypothesize enhanced efficacy in preserving lower body musculature, maintaining bone density, and supporting cardiovascular health. This proposal leverages findings from dynamometer force acquisition and bed rest studies, combined with meta-analytic insights into NMES's effectiveness in clinical settings, to optimize protocols for spaceflight application. The ultimate goal is to develop robust countermeasures ensuring astronaut health for safe interplanetary travel. Further investigations including OpenSim software modeling and predictive framework will be investigated in this research for later implementation and analysis.