Research data on human performance in weightless and lunar-gravity environment are considered on a single continuum of reduced traction. Apparent contradictions in the effects of reduced gravity on tasks requiring the use of the upper torso and those requiring locomotion are resolved. It is concluded that reduced traction systematically reduces the efficiency of work in all reduced-gravity conditions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
DzendoletE.Manual application of impulses while tractionless. USAF: WADD TR 60–129, February 1960.
2.
DzendoletE.RievleyJ. F.Man's ability to apply certain torques while weightless. USAF: WADC TR 59–95, April 1959.
3.
HewesD. E.Analysis of self-locomotive performance of lunar explorers based on experimental reduced-gravity studies. NASA, TN D-3934, 1967.
4.
HewesD. E.HarrisR. L.SpadyA. A.Jr.Comparative measurements of man's walking and running gaits in earth and simulated lunar gravity. NASA, TN D-3363, 1966.
5.
HewesD. E.SpadyA. A.Jr.Moon operations here on earth. Reprinted from Astronautics and Aerospace Engineering. NASA, RP-207, 1964. (a).
6.
HewesD. E.SpadyA. A.Jr.Evaluation of gravity simulation techniques for studies of man's self-locomotion in lunar environment. NASA, TN D-2176, 1964. (b).
7.
KuehneggerW.RothH. P.ThiedeF. C.A study of man's physical capabilities on the moon (III). Work Physiology Research Program, Doc. No. NSL 65–153 (NASA CR-66119), Northrop Space Laboratories, 1965.
8.
LetkoW.HewesD. E.SpadyA. A.Jr.The problems of man's adaptation to the lunar environment. Paper presented by A. A. Spady, Jr. at a workshop sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council Committee on Heating, Bioacoustics, and Biomechanics, at the Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. January 25–27, 1966.
SpadyA. A.Jr.HarrisR. L.Effects of pressure suits and backpack on man's lunar self-locomotion. NASA Technical Note.
14.
SpadyA. A.Jr.KrasnowW. D.Exploratory study of man's self-locomotion capabilities with a space suit in lunar gravity. NASA, TN D-2641, 1966.
15.
SpringerW. E.StephensT. L.StreimerI.The metabolic cost of performing a specific exercise in a low-friction environment. Aerospace Medicine, 1962, 34, 486–488.
16.
StreimerI.SpringerW. E.TardiffC. A.Human output characteristics during specific task performance in reduced traction environments. Human Factors, 1964, 6, 121–126.
17.
TroutO. F.Jr.Investigation of man's extravehicular capability in space by water immersion techniques. Paper presented at the AIAA Third Annual Meeting and Technical Display, Boston, Mass. November 19 to December 2, 1966.
18.
TroutO. F.Jr.Water immersion simulation of extravehicular activities by astronauts. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 1967, 4(6), 806–808.
19.
TroutO. F.Jr.LoatsH. L.Jr.MattinglyG. S.A water-immersion technique for the study of mobility of a pressure suited subject under balanced gravity condition. NASA, TN D-3054, 1966.
20.
WolfR. L.The use of full pressure suits for underwater studies to simulate weightlessness. General Dynamics/Astronautics, Report GDA-ERR-AN-495, 1964.
21.
WortzE. C.Metabolic demand during man's lunar activity in space suits. Paper read at the Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Extraterrestrial Resources, 1967.
22.
WortzE. C.BrowneL. E.GafvertM. R.MacekA. J.RobertsonW. G.SchreckW. H.Study of astronaut capabilities to perform extravehicular maintenance and assembly functions in weightless conditions. Prepared under NASA Contract NAS 1–5875. NASA, CR 859, July 1966.
23.
WortzE. C.PrescottE. J.The effects of subgravity traction simulation on the energy cost of walking. Aerospace Medicine, 1966, 37(12), 1217–1222.
24.
WortzE. C.RobertsonW. G.BrowneL. E.SanbornW. G.Man's capability for self-locomotion on the moon. Prepared under NASA contract NAS 1–7055, AiResearch Report 68–3986, Rev. 1, March, 1969 Los Angeles, Calif.