NEX4EX: Novel Exercise Hardware for Exploration

Abstract

This paper presents the NEX4EX project Novel Exercise Hardware for Exploration, which aims to design, build and validate a full-body countermeasure platform that enables high intensive resistive and plyometric exercise as well as postural control training, and strength training. The NEX4EX exerciser herewith addresses neuromuscular and musculoskeletal deconditioning. The intended use is to improve crew health and fitness maintenance for long-duration space missions beyond ISS lifetime. This will require the system to be multi-purpose / versatile in terms of exercises added to a smaller footprint than systems currently used on ISS. NEX4EX is a novel concept for a novel utilization paradigm given future space exploration-class missions.