Abstract

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INTRODUCTION:
 The weightless environment of space imposes specific physiological
adaptations on healthy Astronauts. On return to Earth, these adaptations
manifest as physical impairment that necessitate a period of rehabilitation.
Major post flight impairments requiring rehabilitation intervention include

 Orthostatic intolerance

 Bone demineralization

 Muscular atrophy

 Neuro-vestibular symptoms

 The pioneering efforts of intelligent human minds have resulted in the journey
to the moon and are still exploring various other planets in future.

 Astronauts are the individuals who have to travel from gravity to microgravity
& back to gravity. Microgravity is an environment in which body experience
less or no gravitational force. Gravity has major influence on musculoskeletal,
neuro-vestibular, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.

 Astronauts undergo similar physiological adaptations as seen in senile bed

ridden patient when they are in microgravity. The effects of microgravity
adversely effects astronauts’ fitness and interference with space mission
activities.

 A well trained exercise program is essential to prevent these adverse effects

while in space & to regain fitness post flight.
PREVELENCE:

 On ‘’JUNE 20 1969’’ The Americans were able to land two

astronauts on the moon. In this mission they had put two
astronauts in space for as long as 2 weeks.

 During this mission, it was immediately apparent that the

astronaut had severe vestibular problems & it became clear that
space travel, with exposure to prolonged weightlessness & cosmic
radiation, as well as life in very tight environment presented a
specific set of medical problems.

 In addition to dizziness of vestibular disturbance, muscle atrophy,

circulatory problems, depressed immune response, severe fatigue
and psychological disorders occurs.

Physiological changes resulting from extended travels in earth orbit:

 Musculoskeletal system:

 Loss of bone mineral density

 Loss of skeletal muscle

 Cardiovascular system:

 Orthostatic hypotension

 Loss of hydrostatic pressure

 Pulmonary system:

 Changes in pulmonary circulation and exchange gases.

 Alimentary system:

 Decrease in absorption or mal absorption

 Nervous system:

 Ataxia

 Motion sickness

 Disturbed fine motor and gross motor functions

  Altered sleep, circadian rhythm and sleep deprivation

 Reproductive system:

 Effects of radiation on gametes

 Urinary system:

 Renal calculi

 Hematology and immunological system:

 Anemia potential immunological depression

 Balance loss

 Psychological factors:

 Alzheimer’s disease

 Manic depression

 Schizophrenia

Management:
 Medical managements:

 Exercise to maintain muscle strength

 Sleep cap

 Medication, including hormone replacement therapy

 To improve the bone health

 To improve muscle health

 Physiotherapy management:

Aim :

 To improve muscle strength

 To improve endurance

 To improve balance and co-odination

  To improve physical activities

 Pre-flight phase:

 Motor fitness

 Strength & power training

 Core strengthening exercise

 Deep {full} squats

 Double raises

 Anti-gravity treadmill training

 Under water strength training

 Cardiovascular fitness

 In-flight phase:

 In weightlessness at zero gravity it moves running on a

treadmill more effective.

 The treadmill feature a rotating belt with or without

resistance

 Weight lifting with resistance

 Electrical muscle stimulation at zero gravity to prevent the

muscle atrophy and demineralization of bone

 Post-flight phase:

 Tilt table

 Adaptability training system

 Cycle ergo meter

 Treadmill

 Resistance exercise device

 Anti-gravity treadmill
  CEVIS {cycle ergo meter with vibration isolation &
stabilization system}

 Isometric for quadriceps

 Weight lifting

CONCLUSION:
 Bone demineralization

 Muscle atrophy

 Circulatory problems

 Respiratory complications

Project guide: