Web Desk
The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated a unique study in which a group of volunteers will be compensated £15,600 for remaining in a bed for a period of two months. The objective of the study is to observe the physiological changes that occur in the human body during space travel and develop strategies to counteract them.
During the study, participants will be required to stay in beds tilted 6° below the horizontal position with their feet elevated. Basic necessities such as meals, showers, and toilet breaks will be provided.
However, the study will not be entirely comfortable. Volunteers will also engage in activities like cycling, spinning, and undergo regular medical tests, while always maintaining contact between one shoulder and the mattress. The ESA acknowledges that the job will be demanding but crucial for advancing human space exploration.
Astronauts face similar physiological challenges as elderly or bedridden patients on Earth. Prolonged periods in space affect their muscles and bones, resulting in muscle loss and altered blood flow. By closely monitoring the participants’ bodies, researchers aim to gain insights into these effects.
Furthermore, this study represents the first instance in which cycling is included as part of a bedrest study in Europe. The goal is to evaluate the potential benefits of artificial gravity as an element of astronauts’ fitness routines on the International Space Station.
Currently, astronauts spend two hours each day exercising in space. Artificial gravity, if proven feasible, could provide a comprehensive solution for maintaining a healthier body during long-duration space missions.
