They found changes in blood pressure and heart rate but the changes were relatively small compared to patients with cardiovascular diseases. This experiment of six months does prove the effects of zero gravity on the body but it can’t tell us how much worse the effects will be over twenty-four months (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/509.html). On Earth, the cardiovascular system works against gravity to circulate fluids through the body preventing blood from pooling in the legs. When in zero gravity, the cardiovascular system can’t work as hard and causes a fluid shift which in turn leads to increased blood pressure, bulging neck muscles, headaches, and skinny legs (http://www.racetomars.ca/mars/article_effects.jsp). Richard Hugson says that the main concern of this is fainting because astronauts could hurt themselves while unconscious (Richard Hugson, 2007). One solution to this is lower body pressure suits, which have been used before by American and Russian crews. So far the technology isn’t very advanced and does not provide considerable circulation relief while also causing a distracting amount of discomfort for astronauts …show more content…
The Calf muscles, quadriceps, and the muscles of your back and neck start to weaken and even face atrophy after long periods of time. The potential dangers of this are very high because if an astronaut faces a physically demanding emergency situation, they may lack the strength to preform at 100%. (http://www.nsbri.org/DISCOVERIES-FOR-SPACE-and-EARTH/The-Body-in-Space/). When thinking about the long-term trip to Mars, this becomes especially risky since astronauts are without the 1g of gravitational strength the earth provides for over two years. To counter this problem astronauts undergo intensive strength training exercises two to two and a half hours a day along with an adequate diet (http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/64249main_ffs_factsheets_hbp_atrophy.pdf). These, along with extensive training programs designed to re-strengthen muscles upon return to earth, are the best methods to keep astronauts strong and healthy enough to do their job and live a normal life after the