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 issues for long duration space travel, as both occur rapidly and consistently. Atrophy of the skeletal muscle fibers, particularly of the voluntary muscles controlled by the somatic nervous system, is directly impacted by space travel . Therefore, effective countermeasures to decrease atrophy and demineralization are of utmost importance. Bone atrophy in space closely resembles osteoporosis on Earth where bone formation is outpaced by bone resorption. However, unlike on Earth, bone resorption in space happens at a much quicker rate than osteoporosis. To minimize muscle and bone loss, high-intensity resistance training, along with supplements and specialized diets, is most effective, as exercise is currently the only validated solution for muscle wasting. Despite the efforts of NASA to provide astronauts with exercise regimens, there is a glaring lack of eccentric extension exercises, which are crucial for maintaining muscle and bone density. These exercises have become the trend among high-level athletes on Earth. As private companies venture further into space, addressing these medical challenges of long-term space travel is essential for the future of civilian space travel. This research aims to explore the physiological effects of space on the human body and develop a specialized training program and equipment to minimize bone and muscle atrophy in astronauts. The study tested a workout program over a seven-week period with 18 Airforce ROTC students. Participants followed a regimen of exercises and used equipment designed for the microgravity conditions of space. Physical assessments were conducted after two and seven weeks to monitor strength of subjects. The results indicated a significant increase in strength, which could help maintain and potentially increase muscle mass, while also contributing to the preservation of bone density through muscle contraction.
Aerospace Medicine: The Human Body in Microgravity
Muscle atrophy and bone demineralization are the most urgent issues for long duration space travel, as both occur rapidly and consistently. Atrophy of the skeletal muscle fibers, particularly of the voluntary muscles controlled by the somatic nervous system, is directly impacted by space travel . Therefore, effective countermeasures to decrease atrophy and demineralization are of utmost importance. Bone atrophy in space closely resembles osteoporosis on Earth where bone formation is outpaced by bone resorption. However, unlike on Earth, bone resorption in space happens at a much quicker rate than osteoporosis. To minimize muscle and bone loss, high-intensity resistance training, along with supplements and specialized diets, is most effective, as exercise is currently the only validated solution for muscle wasting. Despite the efforts of NASA to provide astronauts with exercise regimens, there is a glaring lack of eccentric extension exercises, which are crucial for maintaining muscle and bone density. These exercises have become the trend among high-level athletes on Earth. As private companies venture further into space, addressing these medical challenges of long-term space travel is essential for the future of civilian space travel. This research aims to explore the physiological effects of space on the human body and develop a specialized training program and equipment to minimize bone and muscle atrophy in astronauts. The study tested a workout program over a seven-week period with 18 Airforce ROTC students. Participants followed a regimen of exercises and used equipment designed for the microgravity conditions of space. Physical assessments were conducted after two and seven weeks to monitor strength of subjects. The results indicated a significant increase in strength, which could help maintain and potentially increase muscle mass, while also contributing to the preservation of bone density through muscle contraction.