Scientists have proposed a new exercise routine for astronauts called the "lunar Wall of Death" run. This involves astronauts running around a circular structure in space to help prevent muscle and bone loss caused by the moon's low gravity.
(Photo: Royal Society Open Science)
"Lunar Wall of Death" for Astronaut Fitness Maintenance
Researchers have proposed an innovative strategy to maintain astronauts' fitness during lunar missions by proposing the concept of a "Lunar Wall of Death" run.
The idea stems from the observation that short-duration runs around such a wall can generate sufficient lateral force to counteract muscle and bone deterioration in the lunar environment.
As published in Royal Society Open Science, they advocate for astronauts to engage in multiple running sessions around this unique structure daily to preserve their physical health.
Drawing inspiration from the traditional "Wall of Death" found in fairgrounds, where motorcycle stunt performers defy gravity by riding around vertical walls within a wooden cylinder, the proposed lunar version aims to provide an unconventional yet effective exercise regimen for lunar explorers.
They suggested utilizing a larger cylindrical structure tailored specifically for lunar conditions.
Astronauts would run laps around this cylinder, generating lateral force against its walls to simulate the gravitational effects on their bodies. This innovative method aims to combat muscle and bone deterioration induced by the moon's low-gravity environment.
Researchers have introduced an innovative concept aimed at addressing the challenges of maintaining astronaut health in the unique environment of the moon.
By utilizing a 36-meter-high telescopic crane and bungee cords, they envision creating a lunar Wall of Death where humans can run at high speeds, simulating the effects of gravity.
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This proposal comes as NASA's Artemis astronauts gear up for imminent moon missions, underscoring the importance of innovative approaches to ensure their physical well-being during extended stays in space.
The lunar run emerges as a prospective solution to counteract the detrimental impacts of reduced gravity encountered by astronauts during prolonged lunar expeditions.
In the absence of Earth's standard gravitational pull, astronauts contend with muscle and bone atrophy, as well as diminished fine nervous system coordination essential for precise movements.
Yet, through this exercise regimen, astronauts can generate significant lateral force, thereby sustaining bone density and muscle mass. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the effects of physical deconditioning inherent to the lunar setting.
Innovative Experiments, Proposed Solutions
Researchers experimented by running around a 10m-wide Wall of Death, suspended from a crane with bungee cords to simulate lunar gravity conditions.
Analyzing the data against treadmill results, they found running around the wall generated sufficient lateral force to counteract muscle and bone wasting in the lunar environment.
Interesting Engineering reported that researchers proposed astronauts utilize circular habitats for running instead of transporting a Wall of Death to the moon.
Maria Stokes, a professor at the University of Southampton, deemed this method promising but suggested additional training for specific skills.
Nick Caplan, a professor at Northumbria University, questioned the feasibility of accommodating running tracks in early lunar habitats.
He suggested blood flow restriction exercise as an alternative, offering similar benefits without the need for elaborate setups like a lunar Wall of Death.
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