New Canadian Experiment Touches the “Soles” of Astronauts to Help the Elderly

Funded by the Canadian Space Agency, Hypersole will help scientists better understand how the decline in skin sensitivity in our feet leads to a loss of balance—and consequently, a greater number of falls—in the elderly. Dr Bent will use tiny nylon filaments and a vibration device to put astronauts to the ultimate “tickle test” to see which parts of their feet become more sensitive before and after spaceflight, and how that might affect their balance. Three astronauts have already participated in the experiment. Dr Bent and her team will test five more before and after the last two flights of the Space Shuttle next fall and winter.

In addition to the aging population, Hypersole could help astronauts themselves by providing more information on how they maintain their balance while living and working in space. When asked if she has any advice keeping your feet and skin receptors functioning and healthy, Dr Bent adds, “Well, my Nana is 97 and she rubs cream into the bottom of her feet every day and every night. And I tell her, that’s why you’re still able to walk around! I’m sure it helps, since there are changes in the integrity of our skin as we age. So get yourself a good bottle of cream!”