advanced Resistive Exercise Device
{{short description|Exercise device for exercise in zero gravity}}
File:ISS-44_Kjell_Lindgren_exercises_using_the_Advanced_Resistive_Exercise_Device.jpg
The Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) is an exercise device designed by NASA to allow for more intense workouts in zero gravity. The device was flown to the International Space Station during STS-126{{Cite web|url=https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/MSC-TOPS-59|title=The International Space Station Advanced Resistive Exercise Device {{!}} Patent Details|website=technology.nasa.gov|access-date=2020-04-14}} and installed in 2009 to replace its inefficient predecessor, the Interim Resistance Exercise Device.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=973|title=Advanced Resistive Exercise Device {{!}} Experiment Details|website=www.nasa.gov|access-date=2020-04-14}} The device uses a system of vacuum tubes and flywheel cables to simulate the process of free weight exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and calf raises, workouts which more effectively prevent lower muscle atrophy, though it has the capability to workout any muscle group. The ARED device can accommodate all astronauts on the ISS.
Astronauts can lose approximately 15% overall muscle mass throughout a long mission and up to 30% of their lower-body muscle mass.{{Cite journal|last=English|first=Kirk L.|date=January 1, 2008|title=Reliability of Strength Testing using the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device and Free Weights|url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20090005240|journal=NASA Technical Report}}{{Cite journal|last=LeBlanc|first=A.|last2=Schneider|first2=V.|last3=Shackelford|first3=L.|last4=West|first4=S.|last5=Oganov|first5=V.|last6=Bakulin|first6=A.|last7=Voronin|first7=L.|date=December 2000|title=Bone mineral and lean tissue loss after long duration space flight|journal=Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions|volume=1|issue=2|pages=157–160|issn=1108-7161|pmid=15758512}} The reason for the change from iRED is that the ARED can deliver up to {{convert|600|lbf}}, double that of the iRED.{{Cite journal|last=Lamoreaux|first=Christopher D.|date=May 1, 2006|title=Mechanism Development, Testing, and Lessons Learned for the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device|url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20060028227|journal=38th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium|pages=317–330|via=NASA/CP-2006-214290}} Specifically, the ARED can support {{cvt|600|lbf}} for bar workouts and {{cvt|150|lbf}} for cable workouts.
The device works through the use of two mechanisms:
- Pistons inside of the vacuum tube moving within to create resistance. The piston rods are attached to the arm base as a lever.
- The cable-powered flywheel assembly. This mimics the force of free weights.