Abstract
Gravity has had a profound effect on human evolutionary development, shaping not only its mechanical dynamics but also its supporting mechanisms, including the cardiovascular, neural and musculoskeletal systems, which on exposure to microgravity undergo considerable adaptations, resulting in decreased bone, muscle and cardiac mass. Providing nominal countermeasures against the effects of microgravity is an on-going priority that requires an amalgamation of countermeasures, including exercise, centrifuges and loading suits. Suit technology, due to its low cost and mass has received increasing interest. The gravity loading countermeasure skinsuit (GLCS), utilises a bidirectional weave to create material strain that loads cumulatively towards the legs. Several components of current and future GLCS research are discussed in this paper. Recommendations for future research exploring long term use and potential transferable terrestrial benefits are explored.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 10-22 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Aviation in Focus |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2013 |