Stranded in Space: How Physical Therapy is Keeping NASA Astronauts Alive

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were set for an eight-day mission to the International Space Station. But after their spacecraft suffered helium leaks and thruster failures, their return has been delayed until 2025. This unexpected extension is a race against time. In space, muscle strength and bone density can deteriorate by up to 20% and 2% per month.

Physical therapy is now their lifeline, crucial for maintaining their health and ensuring they can safely return to Earth when the time finally comes.

The Challenge of Microgravity

In the zero-gravity environment of space, the body undergoes significant changes. Without the constant pull of gravity, muscles and bones lose their strength and density. The same muscles that work tirelessly on Earth to keep us upright and moving grow weaker, and bones, no longer needing to support weight, begin to lose calcium and other essential minerals. For Williams and Wilmore, every day in space without the right countermeasures means further deterioration.

Physical Therapy: A Lifeline in Space

Physical therapy is essential in combating these changes. NASA has developed rigorous exercise protocols designed to mimic the effects of gravity and keep astronauts’ bodies in as close to normal condition as possible. These routines are not just optional but critical to the astronauts’ survival.

• Resistance Exercises: The Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) is key in this battle. It allows astronauts to perform weightlifting exercises that simulate the gravitational forces they would experience on Earth. By using resistance, ARED helps maintain muscle mass and bone density, countering the effects of microgravity.
• Cardiovascular Workouts: Maintaining heart health is just as important. Astronauts use treadmills and stationary bikes to keep their cardiovascular systems in check. This not only supports overall health but also helps reduce the rate of bone density loss, as cardiovascular activity promotes circulation and nutrient delivery to bones.
• Flexibility Training: Flexibility exercises are crucial for preventing injuries. The limited space and different movement dynamics in microgravity make flexibility more important than ever. By staying limber, astronauts can avoid strains and sprains that could be disastrous in such an isolated environment.