Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M
Dwight Look College of Engineering, Texas A&M University
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Countermeasures to Combat the Negative Effects of Spaceflight in Humans

Team 02
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The purpose of this document is to demonstrate the progress of team MyoMed in the design process of a device to counteract the negative effects of prolonged spaceflight on human physiology. Studies have shown that long periods in a zero gravity environment significantly reduce muscular strength, endurance, and bone density, therefore decreasing crewmembers' physical performance and increasing the risk of injury.

Current approaches have not been able to ensure muscle and bone integrity. Team MyoMed is designing a device that will focus on effectively attenuating muscular atrophy and loss of bone density. For these purposes, several different designs have been developed to fit varying size and weight specifications, and to work different muscle and bone groups.

The team has come up with three devices powered by three diverse resistance sources that have disadvantages and advantages when it comes to durability, cost, effectiveness, efficiency, and size. The devices range from 10" x 7" x6" with 22-lb. weight limit, 30" x 30" x 68" with 50-lb weight limit, and 73" x 42" x30" and a 1540-lb weight limit. At the design challenge showcase, one design was chosen by team mentors and NASA engineers, via design review, to continue into the construction phase of the device design process during Semester II.