Actively seeking twelve new volunteers!

For two months, the twelve women had been lying in beds inclined at an angle of 6°, with their feet slightly higher than their heads, to induce the same conditions in the body as those experienced during long periods of weightlessness. The volunteers were divided into three groups of four in order to study the effects of special measures designed to counter the loss of muscle, fluid and bone mass and the reduction of certain functions (such as cardiac function and movement).

While the control group did not perform any particular activity, an 'exercise' group were put through their paces in regular exercise sessions. In another group, daily meals were accompanied by a dietary supplement (certain amino acids which form the basis of proteins).  
 
Volunteers needed for phase 2
 
For phase 2 of the study, which is due to begin in September, ESA, the French space agency CNES and the MEDES Institute are looking for twelve new female volunteers from the European Union.

" The international aspect of the selection process is equally important in terms of the psychological factors we will be studying ," explains Peter Jost. " Future long-term missions will be manned by mixed, international teams and we know that the psychological balance has a important influence on the physiological balance."

Women volunteers must be between 25 and 40 years of age, healthy, non-smokers, and must have social security cover. For practical reasons, they must also be fluent in either English or French. During the experiment, analyses and ultrasound tests will be carried out on the volunteers every day to prevent the risk of thrombosis.
 
 
For further information, please contact:
 
Peter Jost
WISE Coordinator
ESA/ESTEC
Tel: +31 71 565 66 12

Didier Schmitt
Life Sciences Programme Director
ESA/ESTEC
Tel: + 31 71 565 48 88