The first major milestone reached: this week, the DLR-NASA 'Sensorimotor Countermeasures Study (SMC)' bed-rest study celebrated its halfway point! In addition to all the experiments, tests and examinations, there must of course be time for a little fun and interaction. The DLR bed-rest studies always like to celebrate the halfway point, or 'Bergfest', to recognise the great achievement that the test subjects and the entire team have already accomplished.
The test subjects were able to toast this special occasion with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, non-alcoholic beer (Kölsch, naturally, as we are in Cologne) or apple juice spritzer, and everyone enjoyed a fun evening in the :envihab lecture hall. Of course, the celebration only began after all the important tests and experiments of the day had been completed, along with the standardised evening meal.
Party drinks included non-alcoholic sparkling wine, non-alcoholic Kölsch beer and apple juice spritzer
Getting all the test subjects together in their beds in the lecture hall takes some preparation. First, all the chairs and tables had to be removed to make room. Then, all the participants were brought one by one into the lecture hall and placed so that they could see both the DLR show host for the evening, Nico, and each other. The main event was playing a quiz together with their own team, which involved general knowledge and activities in a lying-down position.
Guessing games led to laughter
During the games, the participants even had to guess the weight of an empty bedpan
Based on the German TV show 'Schlag den Raab', three teams collected points by answering rounds of questions. The test subjects were put into teams according to their corridor on the ward, and each competed against the DLR team. There was much laughter when it came to guessing the weight of the bedpan. This essential aid for the bedridden was passed around and each team had to give their estimate – we should perhaps clarify that the bedpan was empty!
Meals on wheels
The snacks and drinks were well received by the test subjects
Other rounds of the game included feeling money to guess the amount, or playing the popular children's game Crocodile Dentist. In this challenge, the players had to take turns to press down on the teeth of a plastic crocodile, and when someone touched a sore tooth, the crocodile’s mouth snapped shut and the player was eliminated. In the end, team 'right-hand corridor' managed to secure victory, closely followed by their 'left-hand corridor' stablemates. Despite coming last, the DLR team were content with their bronze medal.
The test subjects in the NASA SMC bed-rest study with the DLR team on the evening of the celebration
As with every competition, there was also a prize. The victors get to decide the activities for the upcoming Halloween evening, although of course all proposals must comply with the rules of the bed-rest study. We are all very excited to see what our winning participants come up with. To find out, stay tuned for the next blog episode.
The certificate for the winning team
And the winner is: the test subject group on the right-hand side of the corridor who were presented with this certificate!
