How astronauts stay healthy and fit in space

Space has never been an easy place to live. Going into space and living in microgravity for long periods of time has many effects on the human body, from vision problems to fluid accumulation in the upper body. While the zero gravity that allows astronauts to spin, turn, and float in the air may seem fun, the lack of gravity causes the muscles in the body to begin to weaken because they are not used as often.

To combat the loss of muscle mass and bone density that comes with living in zero gravity for long periods of time, astronauts must exercise at least an hour a day. In fact, scientific research into how to protect human health in space is one of the main goals of scientists operating the International Space Station (ISS). Every year, a series of experiments are conducted on the ISS to assess the physical and mental health of astronauts working continuously in space.

One important area of ​​research that is often heavily invested in is the development of health monitoring systems that do not cause inconvenience to astronauts while they are working. One example is the Bio-Monitor system developed by the Canadian Space Agency. This is essentially a smart shirt with built-in sensors that can measure factors such as pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate and skin temperature. There is also a headband to monitor blood oxygen levels. Currently, this system is being tested on the ISS, with the hope that it can be used not only for astronauts but also on Earth for medical purposes, sports research and telemedicine in the future.

Myotones, another idea from the European Space Agency, are essentially small devices that help measure muscle stiffness. They could be used to test the effectiveness of astronauts' training programs, by ensuring that no important muscle groups are being left behind and could deteriorate.

However, it is not just physical problems that can affect astronauts. Cognitive and sensory functions can also be affected by the zero-gravity environment, so this aspect also needs to be closely monitored.

This is done through systems such as motor control tests, which are measured through complex simulations such as driving or flying. For example, a simulated driving task requires the astronaut to be able to perceive obstacles and react to them in the right way in space and time, as well as perform multiple tasks at the same time.

Then there are more advanced measurements like VECTION, which looks at how being in microgravity affects people’s perception of motion. On Earth, we can use signals from the vestibular system to help us judge where an object is, but astronauts have to adapt to the lack of gravity. This experiment uses head-mounted displays to test whether astronauts can accurately judge things like the height of an object, even without gravity cues.