Researchers are studying patters to enhance space workouts, maintain muscles, and improve fitness to ensure crews are healthy on long term missions in weightlessness.
According to NASA: “Maintaining muscles and monitoring astronaut health in space were the top research subjects aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday. The Expedition 73 crew also replaced critical life support hardware and serviced a variety of experimental gear.
“The lack of gravity weighing down on a human living in space contributes to muscle loss since it takes much less effort to move around in weightlessness. Spaceflight crews exercise daily for two hours to counteract space-caused muscle atrophy and bone loss to stay healthy in microgravity and remain in shape for the eventual return to Earth.
“Scientists are studying electrical muscle stimulation in combination with exercising in space to improve muscle function, reduce workout times, and design lighter exercise equipment. NASA Flight Engineers Nichole Ayers and Jonny Kim joined each other in the Columbus laboratory module for the muscle study that may benefit future long-duration space flights as well as patients on Earth with mobility issues.
“Ayers wore electrodes that sent electrical signals to her legs as Kim operated the biomedical equipment that also recorded how her muscles responded.
“Next, Ayers removed the electrodes then wore a sensor-packed headband and vest collecting her heart and breathing rate as she worked out on the advanced resistive exercise device that mimics free weights on Earth and then pedaled on an exercise cycle.
“Researchers will use the health data to continuously adjust crew exercise plans and improve aerobic and cardiovascular conditioning in microgravity.
“Ayers and Kim later assisted NASA Flight Engineer Anne McClain as she replaced a catalytic reactor in the Tranquility module.
“The catalytic reactor introduces oxygen into the station’s water processor assembly and oxidizes organic material in the wastewater. Station Commander Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) helped the trio conclude the maintenance work as he reinstalled hardware removed in Tranquility so the crew could access the advanced life support components.”
Photo: NASA Astronaut. X/International Space Station
