Aerospace Medicine: The Human Body in Microgravity
Faculty Mentor Name
Steve Waples
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Muscle atrophy and bone demineralization are the most urgent problems for long duration space travel, because atrophy and demineralization happens quickly and at a constant rate. Atrophy of the skeletal muscle fibers, which are the voluntary muscles controlled by the somatic nervous system, is directly affected by space travel. Therefore, introducing effective countermeasures to decrease atrophy and demineralization are of utmost importance. When this becomes critical is when the astronauts return to Earth. The sudden change in gravitational force will apply a dangerous amount of force to the weakened bones and muscles of the returning astronauts, incapacitating them. Bone atrophy in space is very similar to osteoporosis on Earth where bone formation is outpaced by bone resorption. However, unlike on Earth, bone resorption in space happens much more rapidly than osteoporosis. To keep muscle and bone loss to a minimum, high intensity resistance workouts are the most effective, in conjunction with taking supplements and designing special diets. Exercise remains the only validated treatment for muscle wasting, and there are currently no pharmacological therapies. Despite the efforts of NASA to provide astronauts with exercise regimens, there is a glaring lack of eccentric extension work. This type of workout would be incredibly beneficial to astronauts in maintaining muscle and bone density. This type of training is becoming the trend among high-level athletes on Earth. As private companies venture further into space, solutions to the long-term medical challenges of space travel are being investigated. Future civilian space exploration cannot occur if people cannot safely and efficiently function in this microgravity environment. The goal of this research is to further study the physiological effects of space on the human body and to develop a training program, and equipment, for astronauts specifically designed to minimize bone and muscle atrophy.
Aerospace Medicine: The Human Body in Microgravity
Muscle atrophy and bone demineralization are the most urgent problems for long duration space travel, because atrophy and demineralization happens quickly and at a constant rate. Atrophy of the skeletal muscle fibers, which are the voluntary muscles controlled by the somatic nervous system, is directly affected by space travel. Therefore, introducing effective countermeasures to decrease atrophy and demineralization are of utmost importance. When this becomes critical is when the astronauts return to Earth. The sudden change in gravitational force will apply a dangerous amount of force to the weakened bones and muscles of the returning astronauts, incapacitating them. Bone atrophy in space is very similar to osteoporosis on Earth where bone formation is outpaced by bone resorption. However, unlike on Earth, bone resorption in space happens much more rapidly than osteoporosis. To keep muscle and bone loss to a minimum, high intensity resistance workouts are the most effective, in conjunction with taking supplements and designing special diets. Exercise remains the only validated treatment for muscle wasting, and there are currently no pharmacological therapies. Despite the efforts of NASA to provide astronauts with exercise regimens, there is a glaring lack of eccentric extension work. This type of workout would be incredibly beneficial to astronauts in maintaining muscle and bone density. This type of training is becoming the trend among high-level athletes on Earth. As private companies venture further into space, solutions to the long-term medical challenges of space travel are being investigated. Future civilian space exploration cannot occur if people cannot safely and efficiently function in this microgravity environment. The goal of this research is to further study the physiological effects of space on the human body and to develop a training program, and equipment, for astronauts specifically designed to minimize bone and muscle atrophy.