Human Neutral Body Posture in Weightlessness

Investigations description Throughout the experiment test subject will be safely attached to a fixation mechanism at its center of gravity (hip). This mechanism comprises a climbing harness connected to two lateral vertical guides by two magnetic connection plates at the level of the hips. The test subject will lie down on the floor on a plate equipped with foam pads to create a comfortable lying surface. This mechanism allows free postural movement in microgravity phase and also supports the test subject´s lying position during 1,8g- phase. At any stage of the experiment the test subject will be able to exit the fixation alone, by using one hand only.

The harness can be moved vertically by a linear sliding system and springs in the vertical guides. Springs will remain compressed during the 1g/2g-phase and lift the subject with the reduction to microgravity.

At the beginning of the weightlessness phase of each parabola, the sliding system will push participant's body up to about 30cm above the floor. After he has reached the free floating position, he will be asked to perform a short effort (crouching or stretching) and then to relax and stay still.

Once free floating, three video cameras with wide angle lenses will record body movements from front, side and top view. By electronically synchronizing the cameras the produced images can be used for three-dimensional analysis. Additionally three-dimensional force sensors at the hip fixation will be used to evaluate the quality of microgravity provided during the parabolic flight.

Experimental protocol Before flight subjects will be familiarized with the setup and the protocol. For each flight day, 3 subjects will be studied. The procedure will be the same for the 3 subjects and on all 3 days.