The equipment for the neuromuscular experiments aboard Cosmos 2229 includes implants and preamplifiers for electromyogram (EMG) signals and implants, transducers, and preamplifiers for tendon force measurements. EMG and tendon force data are logged by the Russian Data Recorder.
Subsystems
EMG Electrodes: The EMG implants are bipolar intramuscular electrodes made of very fine multistranded, teflon-coated, stainless steel wires. For the Cosmos 2229 mission, six electrodes were implanted in four sites.
EMG/ECG Boards: Located in the Russian Preamplifier Box, the circuit boards provide preamplification of the EMG electrode signals, which are used to analyze foot pedal, locomotor, and postural motor control.
Tendon Force Sensor Assembly: The Tendon Force Buckle, an active strain gauge half-bridge, is surgically implanted in the subject for measurement of tendon force. The Tendon Force Compensation Module, providing temperature compensation and voltage scaling, makes up the other half of the bridge. The sensor and the module are connected by an integral cable. Tendon activity is achieved through subject use of the Russian Foot Pedal hardware.
Tendon Force Signal Conditioner Board: Located in the Russian Amplifier and Test Control Box, the circuit board provides excitation to the Tendon Force Sensor as well as offset, gain, and filtering of the signal derived from the sensor.
Specifications
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: N/A
Power: 27 VDC
Maximum Strain: 40 lbs (tendon force)
Data Acquisition
Electromyogram data, tendon force data
Related Ground-Based Hardware
Ground Test Unit-2 (GTU-2): The GTU-2 is used to test the tendon force and EMG/ECG boards.
Lab Test Unit (LTU): The LTU is used for ground-based animal studies requiring EMG/ECG and tendon force measurements. The LTU has hardware identical to the flight suite, contains EMG/ECG and tendon force boards, and provides preamplification of the EMG/ECG and tendon force signals.
• Gregor, R.J. and T.A. Abelew: Tendon Force Measurements and Movement Control: a Review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol. 26(11), November 1994, pp. 1359–1372.
• Connolly, J.P., M.G. Skidmore, and D.A. Helwig: Final Reports of the U.S. Experiments Flown on the Russian Biosatellite Cosmos 2229. NASA TM-110439, 1997, pp. 38, 42.
Missions Flown 1991-1995
Bion 10/Cosmos 2229
