Charité research on the ISS: Can muscle stimulation help astronauts stay strong in space?
To stave off muscle loss, astronauts follow a rigorous exercise regimen while in space. The routine, however, does not fully counteract the effects of microgravity – an obstacle for long‑duration missions such as a future flight to Mars. Commissioned by the German Space Agency at DLR, researchers at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin are now investigating whether adding electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to the standard workout can better prevent tissue loss. As the first study participant, astronaut Sophie Adenot has now used a special stimulation suit during her training on the International Space Station (ISS).
Treadmills, cycling, strength training – the astronauts on the ISS train for up to 2.5 hours a day to prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass in microgravity. “On Earth our muscles constantly work against gravity, even something as simple as getting out of bed is a workout,” explains Prof. Dieter Blottner, head of the Neuromuscular System Research Group at the Institute of Neuroanatomy and a scientist at Charité’s Center for Space Medicine and Extreme Environments. “In space, this constant training stimulus is absent, so astronauts must comprehensively strengthen their bodies in the course of their missions.”
Greater efficiency with EMS
The exercise program itself is already very time-consuming, however, and cannot completely prevent muscle atrophy. “If we assume that a Mars mission would last about two years, it’s clear we will need to make muscle training in space even more efficient,” emphasizes Dieter Blottner. Under his direction, a Charité team is now investigating in the EasyMotion-2 trial whether additional electrical muscle stimulation, also known as EMS, can boost the daily workout’s effectiveness.
EMS – already finding use on earth in physical therapy and sports – delivers low‑frequency electrical impulses via surface electrodes placed on the skin. “The electrical impulses cause the muscles to contract, increasing their tone and providing a stronger training stimulus,” as Viktor Heinz, a researcher on Dieter Blottner’s team explains.
Training under power
The study uses a full-body training suit in which individually controllable dry skin electrodes are integrated into the flexible fabric and supplied with controlled electrical pulses by way of an app. This makes it possible to specifically target different muscle groups in the body. The research team plans to evaluate the EMS effect in at least eight ISS crew members.
Sophie Adenot, a French astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA), is the study’s first participant. She launched to the ISS in February as part of the “εpsilon” mission; since July 17, she has been completing her fitness sessions several times a week over a six-week period while wearing the EMS suit. Before and after each workout, she uses a small digital device to measure the biomechanical properties of her muscles. Prior to launch, the Charité researchers determined her strength and used MRI to map the structure of individual muscle groups. The same measurements will be repeated following her return – which is currently scheduled for October.
Technology not just for space
The results of the study will only become available in several years. “If EMS‑enhanced training proves superior at preventing muscle and bone tissue loss in microgravity, this would not only support longer stays in space,” says Dieter Blottner. “EMS could also be potentially relevant here on Earth, particularly in cases of muscle atrophy or following muscle injuries, for applications as in rehabilitation.”
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Contact
Prof. Dieter Blottner
Institute of Neuroanatomy / Center for Space Medicine and Extreme Environments
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
T: +49 30 450 528 347
