As technology in the space sciences advances, the distances humans can travel through space also increases. Long-term space missions can cause complications to astronauts’ health (see Figure 1), the severity of which are not yet well understood. This paper focuses on three main health complications experienced by crew members during long-term space travel: muscle atrophy; loss of bone mass; and immune system changes. This paper also explores current research into preventative measures and potential treatments for these health complications.
Muscle Atrophy
On Earth, muscles must constantly work to support the body against the forces of gravity. However, in the zero-gravity environment of space this constant force is absent, and muscles need to work significantly less hard to perform basic functions. Without regular use and exertion, muscles weaken and deteriorate (atrophy) resulting in decreased strength and coordination and increased risk of bone fracture [10]. A NASA study on the effects of prolonged space flight on human skeletal muscles found that even with consistent, rigorous …show more content…
Loosing bone mass also increases the risk of kidney stones, because as bone tissues are reabsorbed calcium is released into the blood stream [11, 12]. High levels of calcium in the blood increases the occurrence of kidney stones. Kidney stones can be quite painful and, in some cases, require surgery [7]. Medical intervention can be exceedingly difficult and sometimes impossible given the large distances and travel times for space missions. Therefore, it is important to minimize the amount of bone mass astronauts loose to avoid health complications crew members may not be able to manage on the
Muscle Atrophy
On Earth, muscles must constantly work to support the body against the forces of gravity. However, in the zero-gravity environment of space this constant force is absent, and muscles need to work significantly less hard to perform basic functions. Without regular use and exertion, muscles weaken and deteriorate (atrophy) resulting in decreased strength and coordination and increased risk of bone fracture [10]. A NASA study on the effects of prolonged space flight on human skeletal muscles found that even with consistent, rigorous …show more content…
Loosing bone mass also increases the risk of kidney stones, because as bone tissues are reabsorbed calcium is released into the blood stream [11, 12]. High levels of calcium in the blood increases the occurrence of kidney stones. Kidney stones can be quite painful and, in some cases, require surgery [7]. Medical intervention can be exceedingly difficult and sometimes impossible given the large distances and travel times for space missions. Therefore, it is important to minimize the amount of bone mass astronauts loose to avoid health complications crew members may not be able to manage on the