When astronauts spend extended periods of time in space, many surprising and sometimes harmful changes can occur in their bodies. Unfortunately, there are not always ways to avoid or mitigate these effects.
One such health concern is the loss of bone density and bone strength due to effects of microgravity and to a lesser extent, radiation exposure. A A study funded by NASA in 2009 found that astronauts’ bone strength decreased by at least 14% on average during a six-month stay in space. Other studies have found much higher rates loss of bone mass.
But a new study suggests that astronauts and mission planners may be using an effective weapon in the fight against bone loss: jumping and other forms of high-impact exercise.
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Of the 17 astronauts who participated in a new study (opens in new tab), which was published online Thursday (June 30) in the journal Scientific Reports, only eight regained full bone density one year after returning from the flight. Bone density loss was found to be much higher in astronauts who flew missions longer than six months.
But the researchers also found that astronauts who participated in resistance-based training while in space were able to restore bone mineral density after returning. Thus, the authors suggest adding “resistance-based jumping exercise that provides dynamic, high-impact leg loading” to astronauts existing exercise routines to prevent bone loss and promote bone growth during spaceflight.
NASA astronaut Reed Wiseman, Expedition 40 flight engineer, gets a workout on the Advanced Resistance Exercise Device (aRED) in the Tranquility Node of the International Space Station. (Image: NASA)
“Jumping provides short bursts of strong, dynamic loads that promote osteogenesis [bone growth],” the researchers wrote, while adding that “neither running, cycling, squatting, nor heel lift volume were associated with bone recovery.” Adding jumping exercise routines to astronauts’ existing exercise regimens could prevent bone loss and actually reduce the amount of exercise time needed each day, the authors suggest.
Of course, any new jump mode will require specialized equipment, and space is always limited aboard any space flight. “Successful implementation of high-load jump training in orbit will require an exercise device that moderates the forces transferred to the vehicle, along with an exercise regimen that accounts for astronaut deconditioning,” the researchers wrote in the new study. The authors acknowledge that because living quarters are typically cramped aboard spaceflight, “exercise equipment will need to be optimized for a smaller footprint.”
Obviously, the study size of 17 astronauts isn’t exactly conclusive, and the authors note that much more data is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the effects of resistance training on astronauts’ bone loss.
Astronauts now engage in regular exercise while in space to combat the effects of microgravity and scientists have already tried feeding astronauts genetically modified vegetables to help stimulate bone growth and codliver oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help mitigate bone breakdown. Because bone loss still plagues astronauts on long flights, more methods are still needed to mitigate it.
Email Brett at BTingley@Space.com or follow Brett on Twitter at @brettingley. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or on Facebook.
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