One such health concern is the loss of bone density and bone strength due to it effects of microgravity and, to a lesser extent, radiation exposure. ONE Study sponsored 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 of bone loss. But a new study suggests that astronauts and mission planners could use an effective weapon to combat bone loss: jumping and other forms of high-impact exercise. Of the 17 astronauts who participated in the new study (opens in new tab), which was published online Thursday (June 30) in the journal Scientific Reports, only eight regained full bone mineral density a year after returning from the flight. Bone loss was found to be much greater in astronauts who flew on missions longer than six months. But the researchers also found that astronauts who participated in resistance training while in space were able to regain bone density after they returned. The authors thus suggest adding “resistance-based jumping exercise that provides dynamic high-impact leg loads” to astronauts. existing exercise routines to prevent bone loss and promote bone growth during spaceflight missions.
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Expedition 40 flight engineer, trains in the Advanced Resistance Exercise Device (aRED) in the Tranquility Hub of the International Space Station. (Image: NASA)
“Jumping provides brief periods of high-impact, dynamic loads that promote osteogenesis [bone growth],” the researchers wrote, adding that “neither running, cycling, squats, nor increased heel volume were associated with bone recovery.” Adding a jumping exercise routine to astronauts’ existing exercise regimens may prevent bone loss and actually reduce the amount of exercise time they need each day, the authors suggest.
Of course, any new jump program would require specialized equipment, and space is always limited on 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 program that accounts for astronaut disassembly,” the researchers wrote in the new study. The authors acknowledge that since living quarters are typically cramped on spaceflight, “exercise equipment should be optimized for a smaller footprint.”
Obviously, a study size of 17 astronauts isn’t exactly convincing, and the authors note that much more data is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the effects of resistance training on astronaut bone loss.
Astronauts already 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 fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help slow bone breakdown. As bone loss continues to plague astronauts on long flights, there is still a need for more methods to mitigate it.
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