Comparative exercise session equivalence for unweighted exercise, MicroGravity systems and related devices and methods

A method for controlling a MicroGravity (MG) system during use by a user for an unweighted MG exercise session wherein a bodyweight of the user is partially unweighted, the MG system comprising:

• an inflatable enclosure having a base and a top opening defined therein adapted for attachment with a user seal interface, the inflatable enclosure adapted to extend upward when inflated operable for partially unweighting the user;
• an MG treadmill having a run surface oriented at an adjustable gradient;
• a platform retaining the MG treadmill in an exercise arrangement with the MG system, securing the base of the inflatable enclosure to the platform above the MG treadmill, and enabling user access through the inflatable enclosure and the platform to the run surface during use;
• and
• a computer operatively connected to the MG treadmill and with an inflation source coupled to the MG system in an airtight connection;
• wherein a user seal worn by the user comprises the user seal interface adapted for airtight attachment with the top opening for unweighted use of the MG system by the user;
• the method comprising:
• evaluating, by the computer, a first session output of a non-unweighted exercise session for the user at the user's bodyweight based on:
• a first run speed for the non-unweighted exercise session;
• and
• a first % grade for the non-unweighted exercise session;
• evaluating, by the computer, a second session output of the unweighted MG exercise session for the user that corresponds with the non-unweighted exercise session and comprises a reduced % bodyweight for the user less than the user's bodyweight, the evaluating based on:
• reduced % bodyweight options for the unweighted MG exercise session;
• at least one second run speed for the unweighted MG exercise session;
• and
• at least one second % grade for the unweighted MG exercise session;
• wherein the unweighted exercise session corresponds with the non-unweighted exercise session for the user, and the second session output is evaluated based on an additional factor for the reduced % bodyweight of the user;
• determining, by the computer, the second session output, the at least one second run speed, the at least one second % grade, and the reduced % bodyweight for the unweighted MG exercise session;
• operating, by the computer, the MG system for retaining the user in an exercise arrangement with the MG system and proceeding with the unweighted MG exercise session;
• inflating, by the computer, the inflatable enclosure comprising operating the pressure source to inflate the inflatable enclosure to an unweighting pressure for partially unweighting the bodyweight of the user for the reduced % bodyweight;
• operating, by the computer, the MG treadmill for translating the run surface at the second run speed and orienting the run surface at the second % grade for the unweighted MG exercise session;
• and
• providing, by the computer, to the user, unweighted session output information comprising the determined second session output, the at least one second run speed, and the at least one second % grade.