NATIONAL SPACE BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
| Sensor System Measures Muscle Metabolism for Fitness and Rehab A noninvasive sensor developed by Dr. Babs R. Soller provides needle-free measurements of muscle pH and oxygen consumption. The sensor is expected to have use on Earth to evaluate fitness and patient rehabilitation. The sensor, placed directly on the skin, uses near infrared spectroscopy to make noninvasive measurements of these key metabolic parameters. Muscle pH is used to noninvasively track anaerobic threshold, while maximum oxygen consumption is a measure of an athlete's endurance. It is anticipated that athletes at all levels will benefit from training with these noninvasive sensors. The sensor could be used to noninvasively and quantitatively track a patient's recovery during rehabilitation from physical injuries. Read News Release Listen to Podcast Read Project Summary NSBRI Investigator: Babs R. Soller, Ph.D., Reflectance Medical Inc. and University of Massachusetts Medical School Exercise Strategies for Disease Treatment, Rehabilitation Physical activity is important in maintaining human body systems and for returning the body back to normal functions. NSBRI has research projects aimed at developing effective exercise regimens for astronauts to counteract the negative effects of reduced gravity to bones, muscles and cardiovascular function. Dr. Benjamin D. Levine has researched the benefits of a rowing exercise regimen for astronauts. The same strategy employed for the astronaut exercise in this research is being used successfully to treat patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) on Earth. Persons with POTS experience problems when standing which can be incapacitating. The problems include an excessive heart rate and low blood pressure, resulting in dizziness. The research has relevant applications for patients after prolonged bed rest or chronic reduction in physical activity. It also could be beneficial to patients with osteoporosis or conditions that alter cardiac stiffness, such as obesity, hypertension, heart failure or ischemic heart disease. Read News Release Listen to Podcast Read Project Summary NSBRI Investigator: Benjamin D. Levine, M.D., The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Training to Overcome Balance Disorders After returning to Earth, astronauts often suffer from balance problems that lead to dizziness and difficulty standing, walking and turning corners. These disturbances are similar to those experienced by people with balance disorders. Dr. Jacob Bloomberg is developing techniques, using a treadmill and simulated balance disturbances, to help astronauts adapt to a new gravity environment. The techniques will also have benefits for Earth-bound populations, such as the elderly who suffer from balance disorders. Read News Release Listen to Podcast Read Project Summary NSBRI Investigator: Jacob J. Bloomberg, Ph.D., NASA Johnson Space Center |
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