What the 2019 NASA Bed Rest Study Application Program Involved
The 2019 NASA bed rest study application sought volunteers to simulate effects of microgravity on the human body by requiring extended bed rest in a controlled facility. The study applied a structured application and screening process to identify healthy, non-smoking adults able to comply with protocols including restricted mobility, standardized activities, and frequent testing. Participants typically remained in bed for up to 70 days with their heads tilted slightly downward, enabling researchers to model physiological changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight and validate countermeasures for future missions.
Study Objectives and Scientific Purpose
NASA conducts bed rest studies to understand how weightlessness impacts the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurovestibular systems, and to test interventions that reduce related risks. Conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) facility in Galveston under cooperative agreement with NASA, these investigations help refine exercise, nutrition, and medical countermeasures for long-duration space missions. Experiments during the 2019 campaigns focused on fluid shifts, muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and perceptual motor adaptation, with findings informing Artemis lunar exploration and eventual Mars transit.
Primary Study Goals
- Quantify physiological deconditioning during simulated microgravity.
- Evaluate hardware, exercise, and pharmaceutical countermeasures.
- Refen parameters for future Artemis and Mars mission planning.
Study Design, Duration, and Experimental Conditions
Campaigns in 2019 typically followed a within-subject crossover design with baseline, bed-rest, and recovery phases. Subjects remained at UTMB in a controlled environment for up to 70 days with continuous monitoring. During bed rest, participants performed routine activities such as eating, reading, and exercising while maintaining prescribed postures to simulate fluid redistribution and unloading effects. Researchers collected physiological and behavioral data through imaging, blood sampling, performance tests, and questionnaires.
Key Study Parameters
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Period | Multiple 2019 cohorts; start dates varied across the year | NASA/UTMB public schedules |
| Bed Rest Duration | Up to 70 days of continuous bed rest per campaign | Study protocols and participant documentation |
| Head-Tilt Angle | Head-down tilt of approximately 6 degrees | Standard bed rest physiology methods |
| Compensation | Reported range around $1,200 to $1,600 per week depending on cohort and duration | Recruitment materials and participant disclosures |
| Facility Location | University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Clinical Research Center, Galveston, Texas | NASA and UTMB study agreements |
Participant Eligibility and Screening Criteria
Applicants underwent medical, psychological, and lifestyle screening to ensure suitability. Required attributes typically included being a non-smoking adult in good health without chronic conditions, normal body mass index, and sufficient mobility and compliance for the study timeline. Exclusions included significant cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disorders, recent surgeries, medications affecting relevant systems, and pregnancy eligibility based on study protocols. Each campaign outlined specific inclusion and exclusion criteria updated to align with research objectives and operational constraints.
Eligibility Checklist (Typical 2019 Requirements)
- Age between specified minimum and maximum thresholds
- Non-smoker with no tobacco or recreational drug use
- Body mass index within study-defined range
- No orthostatic intolerance or cardiovascular conditions
- Willingness to undergo extended bed rest and frequent testing
The Application Process and Timeline
The application process for the 2019 campaigns involved an online prescreen, medical history review, and in-person or telephonic assessments. Qualified candidates advanced to an interview and further testing at UTMB, where researchers confirmed eligibility and scheduled study periods. Selected participants completed orientation, signed informed consent, and followed study instructions regarding diet, activity, medication, and communication with the research team. The timeline included notification, medical clearance, and preparation phases prior to the bed-rest start date.
Application Stages
- Online or telephone intake questionnaire.
- Medical history review and basic laboratory tests.
- In-person screening and physical assessments.
- Interviews and study orientation.
- Final selection and scheduling of bed-rest period.
Risks, Compensation, and Participant Experiences
Prolonged bed rest can cause short-term effects such as muscle weakness, orthostatic intolerance, and changes in bone density; researchers monitored participants continuously and implemented countermeasures including exercise regimens and nutritional plans. Compensation reflected the time and commitment, with weekly payments reported in recruitment materials covering partial lost wages and travel. Many participants cited contributing to human spaceflight research as a key motivation, while researchers emphasized strict adherence to safety and ethical oversight by institutional review boards.
How to Find Current Opportunities and Stay Informed
While the 2019 campaigns have concluded, NASA continues to recruit for bed rest and analog studies. Prospective applicants should refer to official NASA human research program pages and UTMB study announcements for active opportunities, updated eligibility criteria, and site-specific instructions. Staying informed through NASA’s human research and exploration programs channels enables timely responses when new campaigns launch, ensuring that interested individuals can participate under current protocols and requirements.