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Exercise as a countermeasure for physiological adaptation to prolonged spaceflightExercise represents the primary countermeasure used during spaceflight to maintain or restore maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), musculoskeletal structure, and orthostatic function. However, no single exercise or combination of prescriptions has proven entirely effective in restoring cardiovascular and musculoskeletal functions to preflight levels following prolonged spaceflight. As human spaceflight exposures increase in duration, assessment and development of various effective exercise-based protective procedures become paramount. This must involve improvement in specific countermeasure prescription as well as development of additional approaches that will allow space travelers greater flexibility and medical safety during long flights. Effective exercise prescription will be based on identification of basic physiological stimuli that maintain normal function in terrestrial gravity and understanding of how specific combinations of exercise characteristics e.g., duration, frequency, intensity, mode) can mimic these stimuli and affect the overall process of adaptation to microgravity. This can be accomplished only with greater emphasis of research on ground-based experiments. Future attention must be directed to improving exercise compliance while minimizing both crew time and the impact of the exercise on life-support resources.
Document ID
20040173167
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Convertino, V. A.
(Clinical Sciences Division Brooks AFB, TX 78235, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Medicine and science in sports and exercise
Volume: 28
Issue: 8
ISSN: 0195-9131
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Skylab Project
Review, Tutorial
short duration
long duration
STS Shuttle Project
Review
Flight Experiment
manned
NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary
Non-NASA Center

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