OBJECTIVES:
Cardio-pulmonary evaluations during exercise onboard the International Space Station (ISS) have typically been done using the Pulmonary Function System (PFS). The PFS is a stationary system that may require the subject to breathe special gas mixtures and exercise at fixed locations.
This experiment is a technology demonstration of a system (MetaSpace) designed to allow cardio-pulmonary evaluations to be performed in space while the subject engages in physical activity with unrestricted mobility.
While wearing a commercial device that has been customized and space qualified, it is expected that the astronaut subject will be able to move freely without the encumbrances of cables, gas lines, and electronic boxes and no special gas mixtures will be required. Parameters measured by the system are expected to be sufficient to accomplish a complete evaluation of exercise performance and metabolism.
The primary objectives of this investigation are to:
- Validate the functionality of the wearable system when used by astronaut subjects in microgravity
- Gain experience leading to enhancement of the wearable system for future space applications
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APPROACH:
The MetaSpace system to be used is a customized, space-qualified version of the Cortex MetaMax3B system. For purposes of the technology demonstration, only one subject is required.
Two preflight data collections are planned. The astronaut subject will perform exercises of the same type that will be performed during flight. Conditions including exercise device (ergometer, treadmill), duration, and load will also be the same as those experienced during flight. Specific conditions will be determined jointly by the investigator and the European Space Agency (ESA) Medical Board.
Five inflight data collections are planned. Each session will include donning of the MetaSpace system, setup of the associated laptop, and activation of the MetaSpace system, followed by exercise with data collection. At the conclusion of the exercise activity, data collection will cease and data will be transferred to the laptop using Bluetooth. The MetaSpace system will be removed and stored to end the session. Data will subsequently transferred from the laptop to the ground.
No postflight data collection is planned.
RESULTS:
This is an international experiment in progress. NASA does not currently have an agreement with international space partners to archive their data in the LSDA.
Exercise device data
Heart rate
Maximal volume
Respiratory exchange rate
Respiratory gas flow rate
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Respiratory gas fraction, carbon dioxide
Respiratory gas fraction, oxygen
Volume, carbon dioxide
Volume, oxygen