Research

Problem Statement: 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration reports that astronauts in microgravity environments lose up to 16 percent of their calf muscle volume and between 20 to 29 percent force output in their lower legs, which increases astronaut risk of overexertion and causes muscular damage when re-experiencing gravitational forces.

What – Risk of overexertion and muscular damage

When – Re-experiencing gravitational forces

Where – Microgravity environments

Who – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration

How Many – 16 percent calf muscle volume and 20-29 percent lower leg force output

The statistics above are derived from a research article in the 2010 journal of Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. It compiles muscle loss data from Space Shuttle Flights 47 and 78 as well as Mir space station exercise regimens, comparing them to a study conducted onboard the modern International Space Station. These findings invaluable and in-depth analysis of muscle atrophy in space, demonstrating a disproportionate amount of loss in the Gastrocnemius and Soleus. However, NASA’s corroboration and use of the statistics from this document to create a comprehensive evidence report on the risk of impaired microgravity performance ultimately validate the risks associated with muscular atrophy. Alone, the findings by Gopalakrishnan’s research cohort reveal the incredible and continued impacts of microgravity on the lower legs: NASA’s formal acknowledgment of the data finalizes the problem’s pertinence.