Jožef Stefan Institute
Two decades of the research in Planica
The Planica Nordic Centre hosts a specialized department of the Jožef Stefan Institute. Its field of research is environmental physiology and it focuses on the effects of hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) on the human body.
The collaboration between the Planica Nordic Centre and the Jožef Stefan Institute has been ongoing for more than two decades. The Institute recognized Planica as a unique environment with the appropriate infrastructure for conducting demanding research in the fields of human performance, adaptation to extreme conditions, and space medicine.
Laboratory for the gravitational physiology
Planica is home to a laboratory for gravitational physiology, which has been involved in the development of research ranging from the first experiments two decades ago and the establishment of altitude rooms in Planica to today’s modern research infrastructure.
The laboratory’s goal is to study the effects of hypoxia and artificial gravity on the human body and to develop solutions for maintaining the health and well-being of astronauts during future space missions. At the same time, the research results also contribute to improving human health on Earth.
With the installation of a human centrifuge, Slovenia has joined the ranks of the world’s leading nations and the few European countries with similar infrastructure, such as France and Germany.
Studies on space environment simulation
Researchers are simulating living conditions on the Moon or Mars by combining prolonged inactivity (bed rest) with normobaric hypoxia. They are investigating the effectiveness of vibration training during hypoxic inactivity, with the aim of preventing the loss of muscle and bone mass in astronauts and patients on Earth.
The research center is led by Prof. Igor Mekjavić, Ph. D., who, together with his team, studies how the body responds to various environmental factors, such as changes in air pressure, temperature, and gravity.
Altitude rooms in Planica
Our collaboration with the Jožef Stefan Institute dates back to 2007, when 10 altitude rooms were installed at Hotel Dom Planica. Altitude rooms allow for the simulation of living at higher altitudes through controlled oxygen concentrations.
They are intended for:
- research into the body’s adaptation to hypoxia,
- improving athletic performance, and
- studying the effects of reduced oxygen on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
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