ASTROPOWER
Powering Muscles with Sound,
from Space to Senior Care
THE PROJECT
ASTROPOWER leverages the "analog astronaut" on Earth—the elderly—by developing a biofeedback tool to prevent muscle power loss in both aging and space.
Using tensiomyography and electromiography, it targets fast-twitch muscle fibers to maintain strength and prevent 'powerpenia', helping both astronauts and older adults regain strength and vitality.
Microgravity vs Aging
Microgravity and aging both lead to similar declines in bone and muscle mass, resulting in conditions like osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Astronauts and older adults face comparable challenges in maintaining muscle strength, particularly in fast-twitch muscle fibers. Interestingly, their exercise regimens are also similar fallng short in fully restoring musculoskeletal health, making innovative approaches necessary to combat these effects.
ABOUT US
Powerpenia
Powerpenia refers to the loss of explosive muscle power due to the decline of fast-twitch motor units. This condition affects both astronauts in space and the elderly on Earth, contributing to reduced strength and independence.
ASTROPOWER aims to prevent powerpenia by focusing on targeted power and plyometric training, crucial for preserving fast-twitch muscle fibers.
Acoustic Biofeedback
Acoustic Biofeedback of Myotatic Tension is a novel technique that uses sound to guide muscle tension and contractions during exercise.
By providing real-time feedback, this method enhances muscle activation, especially in fast-twitch fibers, offering a new way to improve strength and counteract the effects of aging and microgravity.
NEWS AND EVENTS
TEAM
Hugo Gamboa
Principal Investigator (NOVA)
Luís Silva
Co-Principal Investigator (NOVA)
Dania Furk
Researcher (NOVA)
FUNDING
PRODEX
PROSSE
CONTACTS
biosignals.libphys@gmail.com
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