OBJECTIVES:
Long-duration space flight requires a health monitoring system that is compact, interoperable with an integrated data management system, and requires limited consumables. Astroskin was the first prototype of this technology, consisting of a wired sensor system for continuous monitoring of electrocardiograph (ECG), heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, skin temperature, and body movement. NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) began collaborating in 2014 to validate this system in controlled tests at both Ames Research Center (ARC) and Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) facilities at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Lessons learned from these test activities led the CSA to develop the capabilities of a wireless version of the Astroskin that, unlike the current shirt-based version, would use small, unobtrusive, stand-alone patch sensors. Wireless sensor capabilities could enhance comfort, improve movement and fit, and minimize interference in crewmember performance of tasks. The proposed On-Astronaut Wireless Sensor System (OAWSS) will include sensors on the upper body, a Sensor Interface Unit (SIU) located on- or off-body that communicates via Bluetooth Low Energy with the body sensors. The SIU will interface with NASA’s Medical Data Architecture (MDA) system, currently under development, to accurately monitor and manage crew health and performance data.
Monitoring multiple vital sign parameters over a prolonged period of time is not possible with other currently available wearable products. Compared to Astroskin, or other commercial products, the OAWSS offers a solution that allows exploration of a different operational mode. The dissemination, management and storage of data vary from other wearables created for space flight monitoring by: 1) the fully wireless nature of the technology; 2) the dynamic and flexible user interface; 3) the capability to acquire data continuously (up to one week without interruption); and 4) the possibility of adding additional sensors (plug-and-play) since there is no physical connection with the data acquisition module.
This experiment has the following aims:
- Determine the efficacy of OAWSS measures under lab and field test conditions;
- Evaluate OAWSS system performance relative to standard laboratory measures;
- Conduct participant surveys to assess usability and wearability of the OAWSS; and
- Integrate and demonstrate compatibility of the OAWSS with the NASA Medical Data Architecture (MDA).
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APPROACH:
To develop OAWSS integration, ground-based studies will be conducted in 2 phases with a total of 16 participants between the ages of 25 and 45. Prior to study selection, participants will undergo a complete Class II physical to ensure acceptable health and fitness levels.
Phase 1 of the research will be carried out at ARC using 8 male and female participants. These 8 participants will undergo 3 days of laboratory testing to assess the functionality of the OAWSS: submaximal ergometer and rowing exercise on days 1 and 2; and a standard rotating chair test designed to elicit motion sickness symptoms on day 3. Research subjects will wear the OAWSS biosensors continuously for 48 hours off-site to collect biometric data and evaluate user comfort and functionality of the biosensors. In addition to OAWSS sensors, standard lab devices (Equivital harness and Empatica E4) will be worn by participants and these data will provide reference measures for comparison.
Phase 2 of the study will be conducted at JSC using another 8 male and female research participants. For these tests, participants will wear the OAWSS, Equivital harness and Empatica E4 while they perform a flight-like cycle ergometer protocol, and a self-pacing treadmill test with various inclines to simulate climbing up a hill to deploy a communication device and climbing back down the hill. During this task participants will wear a weighted suit with an additional 40% of their body weight to simulate interference experienced by the space suit. The purpose of the data collection in these conditions is to evaluate functionality and interference of the OAWSS in response to physical exercise and a simulated Lunar or Mars exploration task.
RESULTS:
This experiment is currently in progress. Results will be made available at a later date.