:enviFuge - A novel approach for space medicine and life science experiments - research under conditions of artificial gravity (AG) and hyper-g conditions for applications in space and on earth

Abstract

The application of AG generated by short diameter centrifuges has been proposed by a number of scientists and space agencies as a countermeasure against microgravity induced physiological degradation during long-term space missions, e.g. to Mars. The major objective of :enviFuge is to obtain extensive knowledge of hypergravity effects on the cardiovascular system, the cardio-vegetative regulation, the orthostatic regulation and other physiological systems. Therefore a unique research and training device, the :enviFuge, has been defined by DLR and developed by AMST Systemtechnik GmbH, and is located at DLR’s brand-new :envihab in Cologne. Operation of this multi-purpose research and training centrifuge started in the middle of 2013. :enviFuge features multiple research capabilities, including passive spinning, several kinds of locomotion exercises and ergometric training. Up to four subjects may be tested in parallel – each of them may perform different research relevant tasks and may be additionally and individually exposed to g-loads during a run. Scientists and physicians will have the unique opportunity to perform remotely controlled medical ultrasonics and highly advanced motion capturing, including precise body kinematics and kinetics tracking, during centrifugation. The outstanding modular design of :enviFuge provides easy and highly flexible possibilities for adaptation in future research applications. An important issue that will be considered during assessments on :enviFuge is the significant gravity gradient in the head-to-toe axis, which may be the cause for a number of unexpected physiological side effects within the human body during application of AG. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurement can be considered as a promising method for medical control and monitoring during centrifugation sessions. Especially the g-load should be adapted to the patterns of HRV, since this method offers a profound insight into cardiovascular and neurovegetative regulation. Besides applications of AG in the field of space exploration, short diameter centrifuges such as :enviFuge will be beneficial in other scientific disciplines, such as sports medicine and rehabilitation or therapy of immobilized patients.