Bed rest study testing artificial gravity and exercise as a prevention method
From 4 April 2023 to 4 July 2023
MEDES carries out a microgravity simulation study on the ground to prepare for future long-duration manned space flights
While the ESA unveiled its new class of astronauts a few months ago, research on the ground is continuing to prepare for future long-duration space flights.
MEDES is currently carrying out a microgravity simulation study using the bed rest model at its Space Clinic. Commissioned by the French (CNES) and European (ESA) space agencies, the study, called BRACE (Bed Rest with Artificial gravity and Cycling Exercise), involves 12 healthy male volunteers. The study lasted 88 days, 60 of which were spent in bed.
The aim is to gain a better knowledge of the effects of microgravity on the human body and to test the effectiveness of 2 countermeasures as a method of prevention:
- An exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer combined with a centrifugation protocol that will take place on the short-arm human centrifuge. Exercise on a cycle ergometer will follow a protocol similar to that used on the International Space Station (ISS).
- An exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer carried out alone, using a protocol identical to that used on the centrifuge.
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