Space suit that zaps muscles could keep astronauts fit on mars missions
NCT ID NCT06492057
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a special body suit that uses gentle electric pulses to stimulate muscles, helping astronauts exercise more efficiently in space. Twelve astronauts on the International Space Station will wear the suit during their workouts. Researchers will measure muscle stiffness, strength, and size before, during, and after the mission to see if the suit helps prevent muscle loss better than standard exercise alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Electromyostimulation (EMS) body suit
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a time-saving way for astronauts to prevent muscle loss during long space missions, including future trips to Mars.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small study with only 12 astronauts, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is still experimental and may not prove better than current exercise routines.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 12 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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40 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Astronauts with active Flight Medical Exclusion Criteria: * Heart disease * Liver disease * Diabetes * Thrombosis * Extreme blood pressure * Abdominal \& inguinal hernias (bulges) * Strong neurological diseases * Pregnancy * Cancer
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Mitte, State of Berlin, 10117, Germany
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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