Running in space?

The launch of NASA and SpaceX's groundbreaking manned rocket on 30 May has got us all thinking about life in space. As extra-terrestrial life becomes more accessible, what are the implications for our bodies in zero gravity ?

You too might have wondered how one can physiologically adapt to life in space with no gravity. What happens to the bodies of astronauts in these unnatural living conditions?

Muscle deterioration in space

On Earth we use specific muscles to support ourselves against the force of gravity. These are known as ‘antigravity muscles’ and include the gastrocnemius (calf muscles), the quadriceps, and the muscles of the back and neck. Yet in space, astronauts work in a weightless (microgravity) environment, and so little muscle contraction is required to support their bodies or move around.

Without regular use, muscles weaken and deteriorate. Astronauts are prone to a 20% loss of muscle mass on spaceflights lasting just 5-11 days. This decrease in strength is potentially fatal if an astronaut must perform a physically demanding emergency procedure on re-entering the Earth's gravitational field.

Muscle mass can be regained once astronauts have returned to Earth through physiotherapy, however muscle in space is a concern - particularly for long-duration space missions.

Daily exercise made mandatory by NASA

The only way to minimise muscle mass loss in space is through intensive exercise, especially strength training, along with careful nutrition. Station crew members are required to exercise for a minimum of 2-3 hours every day to prevent the loss of muscle mass and bone density, as well as for good heart health. Actvity includes weightlifting, cycling and running, all using special equipment for the space environment.

Running is part of the daily exercise routine

Karen Nyberg is a former NASA astronaut who spent a total of 180 days in space in 2008 and 2013. She was a keen runner on Earth and continued running while aboard the International Space Station. Karen has been filmed training on a COLBERT treadmill in a weightless environment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcYw05FnN20). Without gravity to hold the runner to the surface of the treadmill, elastic straps are placed around the shoulders and waist to prevent the runner from rocketing across the space station.

The straps give a sensation of running while wearing a backpack. The treadmill was designed to generate minimal vibrations and work without a power source. It can be disassembled into scores of parts for transport in the space shuttle.

So clearly running plays a crucial role in our physical health. If our planet’s astronauts are this committed to a daily run, there’s no excuse for us earthlings not to get active!