Crew Health And Recreation Gear Exercise Device

This technology is to replace the bulky, high maintenance exercise devices (as used currently in the ISS) for long duration missions. A novel exercise and recreation device is proposed that can provide physical and mental health preservation benefits during long duration deep space exploration missions. A prototype based on MR dampers was built to demonstrate the technology. However, this will need to be modified to drive forces through major leg bones and muscles to realize medical benefits and present to NASA exercise scientists for evaluation. Very light weight, compact exercise devices are considered a necessity for long duration space flight missions. Existing ISS countermeasures are not only functional limited, but also bulky, complex and require high maintenance. The proposed MR exoskeleton is light weight, compact sized, and capable of providing concentric and eccentric exercises. With the integration of Microsoft XBox Kinnect, the exoskeleton will have full range of flexibility-personalized exercise profile, data tracking, down-linking, and recreation activities: immersive video games and aquatic exercises. A magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid based exoskeleton leg demonstrator was developed to help long duration exploration mission crews obtain exercise with entertainment during flight and at their destination.

MR exoskeleton can be light weight and occupy little space compared with current ISS countermeasures such as TVIS, ARED, CEVIS, etc. Aquatic and other concentric exercises may easily be performed. Actuators may be integrated for eccentric exercises.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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