File:HRP HHC Bedrest Exercise Treadmill.jpg

English: * In the bed rest study “Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Protects Fitness During Bed Rest,” specialized exercise equipment was used to counteract cardiovascular and muscoskeletal deconditioning. The study was the first to demonstrate a prescription of exercise alone being completely effective for the prevention of cardiovascular and skeletal muscle deconditioning during strict bed rest using exercise equipment similar to that on the ISS.

• The Earth benefits of this research were also highlighted as part of the American College of Sports Medicine’s “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative that seeks to “make physical activity and exercise a standard part of a disease prevention and treatment medical paradigm.” Hospital associated deconditioning and functional decline are common problems with a paucity of research or clinical recommendation examining prevention, functional recovery or reconditioning. The current study illustrates the unique capability of exercise alone to prevent deconditioning associated with strict bed rest. Subjects spent less than one hour per day, with some days as little as 15 minutes performing exercise, and were able to preserve muscle size, strength and aerobic capacity during 14 days of strict bed rest.