Design and construction of a microgravity simulation treadmill for exercise in varying gravity conditions

Document Type : Technical Research

Authors

1 Department of Sport Biomechanics and Injuries, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Technology and Engineering , Shahed University , Tehran

3 Department of Movement Management and Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University Kharazmi, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Microgravity simulators, which provide both static and dynamic environments closely resembling real weightlessness, are of significant interest to space medicine, sports medicine, rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, and sports science experts. The primary aim of this study was to introduce a designed microgravity simulation treadmill for training in variable gravity conditions.
Methodology: To build this device, the following components were used: a horizontal restraining surface that supports the user in a horizontal position, a supporting chassis that holds both the vertical treadmill belt and the horizontal supporter, six elastic straps for lower limb restraints (thigh and leg), a protractor that indicates the angle of the user's horizontal position relative to the ground and the exact amount of weight reduction due to applied gravity, and a rotating vertical treadmill belt, which is vertically oriented in this device, unlike traditional treadmills.
Results: After designing the device, it was compared with similar devices based on the relevant physical laws, and its reliability and validity were assessed.
Conclusion: The results of this research, considering the specific feature of the microgravity simulation treadmill designed for training in variable gravity conditions, which allows for the creation of environments with varying weights, recommend its use for walking and running on a treadmill in weightless and microgravity environments. Additionally, this device can be utilized for research in the fields of rehabilitation, space medicine, and paramedicine.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1. la Torre, G. G. (2014). Cognitive Neuroscience in Space. Life, 4(3), 281–294. https://doi.org/10.3390/life4030281
  2. Stephen S. Cheung, P. N. A. (2022). Advanced_Environmental_Exercise_Physiolo (illustrated ed.). Human Kinetics.
  3. Vahid Noushadi, Mohsen Bahrami, & Shahram Yazdanpanah. (1387). Space medicine and physiology. Aerospace Research Institute. https://db.ketab.ir/bookview.aspx?bookid=1416851
  4. Rajati Haghi M., & Jafarzadeh S. (2022). Vestibular Impairment in Patients with Vertigo and Oscillopsia. Journal of Paramedical Science and Rehabilitation, 11(2), 29–34. https://civilica.com/doc/1545154
  5. van Ombergen, A., Demertzi, A., Tomilovskaya, E., Jeurissen, B., Sijbers, J., Kozlovskaya, I. B., Parizel, P. M., van de Heyning, P. H., Sunaert, S., Laureys, S., & Wuyts, F. L. (2017). The effect of spaceflight and microgravity on the human brain. Journal of Neurology, 264(S1), 18–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-017-8427-x
  6. seifi, farzaneh, & saadatmand,  (2017). The Effect of Pretend Plays on Isfahan Pre-school Children’s Spatial Intelligence. Preschool and Elementary School Studies, 3(9), 83–98. https://doi.org/10.22054/soece.2020.38737.1202
  7. Watenpaugh, D. E. (2016). Analogs of microgravity: head-down tilt and water immersion. Journal of Applied Physiology, 120(8), 904–914. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00986.2015
  8. Cebolla, A. M., Petieau, M., Palmero-Soler, E., & Cheron, G. (2022). Brain potential responses involved in decision-making in weightlessness. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 12992. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17234-8
  9. Herranz, R., Anken, R., Boonstra, J., Braun, M., Christianen, P. C. M., de Geest, M., Hauslage, J., Hilbig, R., Hill, R. J. A., Lebert, M., Medina, F. J., Vagt, N., Ullrich, O., van Loon, J. J. W. A., & Hemmersbach, R. (2013). Ground-Based Facilities for Simulation of Microgravity: Organism-Specific Recommendations for Their Use, and Recommended Terminology. Astrobiology, 13(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2012.0876
  10. Fortney, S. M., Schneider, V. S., & Greenleaf, J. E. (1996). The Physiology of Bed Rest. In Comprehensive Physiology (pp. 889–939). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.cp040239
  11. Tenforde, A. S., Watanabe, L. M., Moreno, T. J., & Fredericson, M. (2012). Use of an Antigravity Treadmill for Rehabilitation of a Pelvic Stress Injury. PM&R, 4(8), 629–631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.02.003
  12. Fong, S. S. M., Tam, Y. T., Macfarlane, D. J., Ng, S. S. M., Bae, Y.-H., Chan, E. W. Y., & Guo, X. (2015). Core Muscle Activity during TRX Suspension Exercises with and without Kinesiology Taping in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: Implications for Rehabilitation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/910168
  13. Sadeghi, H., Allard, P., Prince, F., & Labelle, H. (2000). Symmetry and limb dominance in able-bodied gait: a review. Gait & Posture, 12(1), 34–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6362(00)00070-9
  14. Macaulay, T. R., Macias, B. R., Lee, S. M., Boda, W. L., Watenpaugh, D. E., & Hargens, A. R. (2016). Treadmill exercise within lower-body negative pressure attenuates simulated spaceflight-induced reductions of balance abilities in men but not women. Npj Microgravity, 2(1), 16022. https://doi.org/10.1038/npjmgrav.2016.22
Journal of Advanced Sport Technology
Volume 9, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 25-33

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 12 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 10 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 March 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics