Abstract
It is well known that musculoskeletal atrophy due to disuse arises among astronauts and bedridden patients. The atrophy is one of main issues for space medicine and clinical medicine. We proposed a "hybrid exercise method" (HYB exercise) in which antagonist is stimulated electrically to generate resistance forces against volitional contraction of agonist. This means that muscular trainings can be carried out without the force of gravity. We confirmed its advantages, but found it will be tedious in a long-term exercise. The motivation for the exercise may be decreased by daily repeated monotonous movements over the long term. Te purpose of this study is to develop a useful training system for maintaining or increasing motivation to exercise. A proposed VR training system will give relief from the mental stress and the atrophy in weightless environment. Our latest stimulation device that consists of 20 channels can train not only upper and lower limbs but also trunk of human body.
