2023-09-22 05:55:00
What if you stayed in bed for 60 days? This is what the Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology offers (Medes) as part of the second phase of the Brace study (Bed rest with artificial gravity and cycling exercise), carried out at the request of Cnes and the European Space Agency (ESA). After a first phase in spring 2023, twelve new volunteers are being sought for this weightlessness simulation which will take place from February to May 2024 at the Toulouse Space Clinic.
Chris, a 31-year-old electronics engineer, participated in the first phase and has very good memories of it. ” Do not hesitate. It goes by quickly, contrary to what you might believe. And the physical impact is not very significant,” he assures. “It’s really a good experience. Humanly and scientifically speaking, it is very enriching. You have to be at least patient and know how to keep busy,” he warns all the same.
The Toulouse resident spent a total of three months at the Space Clinic. In addition to the two months spent lying down with his head tilted 6 degrees downward, Chris was given two weeks of testing to assess his physical state before the experiment and two weeks to assess the effects on his body and make getting back into shape after bed rest.
The volunteers are randomly divided into three groups: a group which must ride a recumbent bicycle in a centrifuge, a group testing the exercise on a bicycle alone, and a control group without any exercise. “The objective of the study is no longer really to test the effects of weightlessness on the human body but rather methods of prevention. We know that physical exercise works but on longer trips, it will not necessarily be enough. Hence the idea of combining it with centrifugation,” explains Marine Bernat, spokesperson for Medes.
“The phycological aspect is essential”
To participate in this experience, the criteria are very precise. The Medes is looking for men between 20 and 45 years old, without medical treatment, athletes, non-smokers… “The phycological aspect is essential”, also warns Marine Bernat, the volunteers being subject to an evaluation by a psychologist who selects the astronauts. “It’s important to see the experience through to the end. » As for the first phase, this study is paid up to 18,000 euros. A way to attract volunteers even if this aspect was not decisive for Chris.
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“It wasn’t my primary motivation, even if I wouldn’t have done it for free because it’s a real commitment. I like the scientific and space world. Being able to participate in a study of this type is interesting. Seeing how things work from the inside, meeting the scientists… Knowing that we can help with future missions to the Moon or Mars is exciting,” confides the young Toulouse resident.
Fourteen scientific teams are involved in this study with experiments in various fields (neurological, muscular, cardiovascular, etc.) to best prepare for future manned flights. If, a few months later, Chris admits to having “a little less stamina”, he would do the experience again “200%”.
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