Deliverables for Exploration

The Musculoskeletal Alterations Team is developing countermeasures to the negative effects of spaceflight on muscles and bones. Current in-flight exercise regimens, dietary and vitamin supplements, and pre-flight conditioning have not prevented bone loss during long-duration flights such as those on Russia's Mir Space Station and the International Space Station.

Also, long-duration exposure to microgravity produces functional deficits in skeletal muscle. These include atrophy in the muscles of the lower extremities and losses in strength and power, a shift in appearance and contractile quality of muscle, and deficits in motor control and movement. All of these changes could lead to injury.

The Team’s anticipated deliverables for spaceflight include:

Ground-based simulation of on-orbit exercise devices;
Balance and coordination training combined with resistance and aerobic exercise;
Specific exercise prescriptions tailored to individual astronauts;
Pharmacological therapies for bone loss;
Compounds and pharmacologic agents to protect against muscle weakness and fatigue; and
Designing improved exercise devices.