Bedrest study benefits space travel and medical treatment
The second campaign of the Women's International Space Simulation for Exploration (WISE) study has been under way at the MEDES clinic, in Toulouse, France since October 1, 2005. The first campaign began in January of this year.
The 12 female participants from France, Finland, Switzerland and Britain had to lie in bed, head tilted down below their feet at an angle of 6º below horizontal. Over time, lying in this tilted position produces many of the physiological changes observed in astronauts during space flight. Results will help the planning of long-duration human missions in space.
Female volunteer lying in bed at the MEDES Space Clinic in Toulouse, France. The bed is
tilted 6º and the feet are raised above the head (Image: ESA/M. Specht)
The study looks at how nutrition and physical exercise alleviate the effects of microgravity on the body. "Astronaut crews are made up of both men and women, so it is important that we look at the role gender plays on the effects space has on the body and how we counter these effects," says Dr. Nicole Buckley, Director of Life and Physical Sciences at the Canadian Space Agency.
There were three groups; a control group, who received no extra treatment over the 60-day bedrest period, a second group with an in-bed exercise program, and a third group who took a nutritional supplement.
Practical applications
This research also has clinical significance on Earth, advancing knowledge and pointing to improved methods of assisting recovery by bedridden patients. Studying the early effects of reduced activity at the molecular level is also expected to provide further evidence of the benefits of regular exercise in the prevention of conditions like type-II diabetes and high blood pressure.
Two Canadian researchers are participating in the year-long study: Dr. Richard L. Hughson, from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, and Dr. Guy Trudel, from the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Hughson is a leading expert in cardiovascular research while Dr. Trudel specializes in musculoskeletal research.
A team of international scientists is taking part in this multi-year research venture between the European Space Agency, the French Space Agency, NASA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
