Bedridden or “immersed” for space research? It’s possible in Toulouse. Medes, the Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology, is carrying out a new weightlessness simulation study, called Vivaldi III. This study, carried out at the request of the space agencies ESA and Cnes, aims to compare a ground simulation model of the effects of weightlessness called “dry immersion” to the reference model for astronauts, anti-orthostatic bed rest ( bedrest).
This study will be carried out on twenty male volunteers between 20 and 40 years old divided into two groups. It will therefore compare the physiological effects generated by ten days of dry immersion for the first group to the physiological effects generated by ten days of anti-orthostatic bed rest for the second group. The volunteers will be hospitalized for twenty-one days.
Participate in the best health of astronauts
Throughout the study, protocols will be carried out which will explore the effects of dry immersion or anti-orthostatic bed rest on the body's different physiological systems. They will concern the neurological, muscular and bone, cardiovascular and metabolic areas. Numerous standardized examinations, such as urinary, blood, ophthalmological, psychological, etc. will complete these experiences.
Participation in the study is compensated up to 5,000 euros.
The use of these ground simulation models is necessary to better understand the mechanisms of adaptation of the organism to the space environment, prepare for space flights and develop preventive means (called countermeasures) in order to best guarantee the health and performance of astronauts.
Information and applications on the website www.medes.fr
