Participants sought for studies Help us shape the future of space exploration

Join our study at Karolinska Institutet and help us investigate how microgravity affects skeletal muscle and astronaut health.
Now we are looking for both male and female participants.

Genre image of an astronaut in space.
Astronaut in space. Photo: Photo by form PxHere

The total time of the study, including familiarisation visits is 2 weeks. The unloading protocol is performed over 5 days (Wednesday to Monday).

How does the study work?

  • During the study you will wear a special shoe and use crutches for 5 days, unloading one leg to simulate microgravity. Scroll for instruction video.
     
  • Before and after the 5-day unloading period, you will undergo muscle tests and examinations.
     
  • After the 5-day unloading period, you will have muscle samples taken from your legs.

Unloading model used in the study

Who can participate?

In order to participate you must be:

  • Male or female
  • Completely healthy
  • Between 18-40 years old
  • Free of any medication
  • Able to visit our laboratory at Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge.

Reimbursement

Upon completion of the study protocol you will be compensated with 3500 SEK (before taxes).

If you have questions and/or want to participate in the study, please contact:

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Mirko Mandić

Postdoctoral Researcher

Principal Investigator

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Rodrigo Fernandez Gonzalo

Principal Researcher

Processing of personal data

Your personal data is processed for the purposes of this study in accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). The legal entity responsible for processing of your personal data is Karolinska Institutet. The Data Protection Officer can be reached at dataskyddsombud@ki.se. The data will be analyzed on a group level, handled confidentially and it will be stored in a secure database at Karolinska Institutet. You can terminate your participation in the study at any time.