Bedrest Platform Implementation Services.   5

Background
The requirement is to implement the Flywheel Exercise Bedrest Study at the contractor’s facility in support of NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP). The study uses strict 6° head-down tilt bed rest as an analog for some of the physiological adaptations experienced by astronauts during spaceflight. The Flywheel Exercise study will evaluate the adequacy of a NASA-provided flywheel exercise device to address long term exercise requirements for space exploration missions. This custom-built flywheel device uses rotational inertia to provide resistance through a mechanical “yo-yo” action of a spinning mass. While isoinertial flywheel-based exercise has been shown to be effective in promoting positive adaptations in muscle strength and aerobic conditioning, this particular flight-designed device has not been evaluated in a spaceflight-like environment.

Work Details
This SOW is for non-personal services contract to implement the platform services required for the Flywheel Exercise Bedrest Study at the contractor’s facility. The study consists of two parts: the fundamental bedrest services and the performance of the science measures.

The SOW only covers the head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest platform and facility capabilities and services required to implement the Flywheel Exercise study. The purpose of this study is to compare muscle and aerobic outcomes in a group of subjects following a flight-like prescription on the NASA flywheel vs. a control group that does not exercise. The outcomes of the study are crucial to defining potential exercise countermeasure protocol and hardware development for planned space exploration missions.

Place of Performance
Place of performance: Responsible offeror’s facility.