Evaluation of an On-Astronaut Wireless Sensor System to Support Crew Health Monitoring for Exploration Class Missions

NASA and our international partners have a mutual interest in advancing biosensor monitoring capabilities and medical data management to support crew health and performance during future exploration missions. Studying this technology on Earth may identify ways to preserve and advance crew fitness levels during preflight training, on-orbit operations, and postflight rehabilitation. In addition, crew monitoring will provide critical data in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, as well as aid in the evaluation of crew fitness, health, and readiness for mission operations. For an exploration mission NASA needs a health monitoring system composed of hardware that is compact, fully interoperable with an integrated data management system, and requires minimal consumables. Such a system will be achieved through the integration of small, easy to use biomedical sensors that will have the ability to measure, store, and transmit physiologic parameters during operational and ambulatory scenarios. Among the parameters of interest are key physiological signals that indicate crewmember workload and relevant vital signs including ECG (electrocardiogram), heart rate, and respiration rate. Since 2015 NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have been collaborating on studies to evaluate a shirt-based biosensor system, referred to as Astroskin, for continuous vital sign monitoring. Lessons learned from previous test activities led CSA to engage in technology development to explore the capabilities of a wireless version of the Astroskin utilizing small, unobtrusive, stand-alone patch sensors. CSA’s prototype On-Astronaut Wireless Sensor System (OAWSS) will measure and transmit real-time multiple physiological parameters. In order to successfully advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of biosensor monitoring devices, it is essential to determine whether the equipment works appropriately by providing reliable and valid data under various activity levels. Two independent studies were carried out to evaluate OAWSS performance and to help validate its operational feasibility for astronaut health monitoring during future exploration missions. Furthermore, since engaging in physical activities similar to normal crew activities is likely to affect the signal quality of recorded physiological data largely due to motion artifact, quantifying the percent of time that unusable signals are generated in various levels of activity will enable manufacturers to improve and enhance current technologies in order to better meet stakeholder needs.

Specific Aims: 1. To evaluate the reliability and validity of OAWSS measures during controlled laboratory tests that include a range of physical activities, an operational flight-like aerobic exercise test, and a simulated EVA task. 2. To determine whether any of the OAWSS sensors provide acceptable data as defined by the percentage of time a usable signal is detected during lab tests. 3. To assess wireless data connectivity of OAWSS sensors during 48-hour of monitoring that include normal daily activities while at work and home. 4. To evaluate participant comfort, interference with daily activities, and functionality of the OAWSS from participant surveys.

Methods: The proposed research was conducted in two phases. In a Phase 1 study at Ames Research Center OAWSS measures were collected on 9 participants (5 men and 4 women) during laboratory tests that included low-intensity physical exercise on a treadmill, a cycle ergometer, and a seated rower. In addition, participants wore the OAWSS sensors for a maximum of 48 hours during normal activities outside the lab to assess long-term wear and comfort. During lab tests measures were acquired with standard laboratory equipment in parallel with the OAWSS measures. A Phase 2 study was conducted at Johnson Space Center with 8 participants (4 men and 4 women) to further demonstrate the capabilities of the OAWSS during simulated exploration activities that included a flight-like exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer, and a simulated extravehicular activity (EVA) task (hill climb in a weighted suit) on a Treadmetrix device. These tests were conducted with standard bio-monitoring devices for comparison to the OAWSS measures. All participants completed a survey questionnaire on usability, interference and comfort of the OAWSS system.

Significance: The above test activities will help to validate the OAWSS operational feasibility for long-term wear and crew health monitoring.

Unobtrusive, wireless devices for monitoring vital signs have evolved over the past decade. The OAWSS is a prototype wireless skin patch sensor system developed by the Canadian Space Agency for monitoring crew health during future exploration missions. The OAWSS has potential value for out-patient health monitoring and monitoring patients in remote locations who have limited access to health care facilities. In addition, the OAWSS may be beneficial in the sports industry for training professional athletes.

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