Science

From Astronauts to Athletes

The Science Behind GravityFit

The GravityFit Exercise Model was developed by world-renowned Professor of Physiotherapy, Carolyn Richardson (PhD) - the former leader of the acclaimed research team that introduced the concept of "Core Stability". With over 30 years of research into musculoskeletal function, collaborating with NASA and elite sports organizations, Professor Richardson identified two functionally different muscle groups in the body in relation to gravity: "Movement" and "Gravity" muscles.

Two recent NASA-sponsored studies provide compelling validation of the GravityFit approach:

A 2020 study published in Nature's Scientific Reports (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-67509-1) demonstrated that GravityFit's axial loading technology successfully activates key stabilizing muscles - specifically the transversus abdominis (deep core) and multifidus (spine stabilizers). The study showed when axial loading was combined with postural cues:
- Transversus abdominis contraction increased by up to 19% in thickness
- Multifidus showed up to 6% increase in anteroposterior thickness

A complementary study in Frontiers in Physiology (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.01164/full) focused on shoulder stability, finding that GravityFit's approach effectively activates the serratus anterior muscle:
- Overall muscle thickness increased by 11%
- Most significant changes were seen in the anterior and central portions
- This activation is crucial for shoulder stability and upper body function

Building on this foundational research, a recent independent study at Cornerstone University demonstrated the real-world performance benefits of training with the G-Suit. After just four weeks, participants showed significant improvements compared to controls in:
- Maximum squat strength
- Vertical jump velocity
- Mean anaerobic power

Together, these studies create a compelling scientific foundation validating that GravityFit's innovative approach effectively activates and strengthens the deep stabilizing muscles crucial for peak performance, injury prevention, and overall physical wellbeing.