Masked for energy consumption

Volunteer of the Vivaldi III campaign performing indirect calorimetry – a method to measure how much energy a person uses by analysing gas exchange during breathing. The mask measures how much oxygen the person consumes and how much carbon dioxide exhales.

This non-invasive measurement allows scientists to get an idea of the relationship between food, the lungs and the energy consumption when at rest. Results of the test helps tailor nutrition plans to match a person's specific energy needs.

During the dry immersion study, the goal is to maintain fat mass even when muscle loss is expected. The diet is carefully controlled to ensure that total energy intake matches energy expenditure.

Dry-immersion baths are used to recreate aspects of living in weightlessness on Earth. Volunteers lay down in containers similar to bathtubs covered with a waterproof fabric to keep them dry and evenly suspended in water. The studies benefit from placing less pressure on the body as volunteers are supported and suspended evenly in the tub, a condition that mimics the floating astronauts experience on the International Space Station.

The results from this type of research does not only benefit astronauts but has implications for people on Earth who are bedridden for long periods of time.