WEDNESDAY, Aug. 25, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- High-intensity resistance training may help astronauts maintain muscle strength and size during long space voyages, according to a new study.
The study, published in the Journal of Physiology, included 12 volunteers confined to their beds for 84 consecutive days in order to mimic the effects of living in a zero-gravity environment. Six of the volunteers did regular exercise sessions consisting of four sets of squats every third day. The other six volunteers did no exercises.
Those in the non-exercise group lost an average of 17 percent of leg muscle size and 40 percent of leg strength. The volunteers in the exercise group maintained their muscle size and strength.
"Resistance training is the most promising candidate for providing the proper stimulus to maintain muscle function while in space," Scott Trappe, director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., said in a prepared statement.
Previous research found that astronauts lose significant muscle mass and strength after just seven days in space. Those declines in muscle strength and mass continue over the duration of a space mission.
"Spaceflight is a unique environment that poses several physiological challenges to the human body. As the various space agencies around the world focus their attention on long duration stays on the International Space Station, implementation of effective exercise regimens is essential for the health and well-being of the crew members," Trappe said.
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The American Academy of Family Physicians offers advice about exercise.
