Page 86 - RPG's Italian Work Experience

THE ‘ANTI-GRAVITY TREADMILL’ / pt. 1

• The "anti-gravity treadmill" was originally invented by Robert

Whalen, a biomechanics researcher at NASA Ames Research

Center, in the 1990s.

• Whalen knew that astronauts on the International Space Station

have to exercise for hours each day to combat the loss of bone

mass and muscle in microgravity. But the treadmill on the ISS

has always left a lot to be desired. In lieu of gravity, it uses straps

around the shoulders and hips to anchor the astronaut to the

treadmill. The bungee system doesn't do a good job of

replicating the magnitude or types of force that runners

experience here on Earth. And to make matters worse, it's pretty

uncomfortable to run in.