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Future of space travel: experiments for health and exercise in space!
Representatives of the German Sport University Cologne presented innovative experiments on space health at the Aerospace Day in Bonn.
Future of space travel: experiments for health and exercise in space!
Aerospace Day took place on March 28th and 29th at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bonn Oberkassel. Over 5,000 visitors, including many children and young people, took part in the event, which was organized by the German Sport University Cologne report became. Constance Badalì and Prof. Dr. Dr. Stefan Schneider represented the university and presented two exciting experiments that deal with the importance of sport and exercise for life in space and the health of the population as a whole.
A central theme of the DSHS experiments was the SpaceBike. This experiment examines the central nervous neuronal control of motor functions under changed gravitational conditions. Researchers are analyzing the brain's reactions to prolonged immobility. The results are particularly important for future lunar missions and the neurological rehabilitation of stroke patients. Another experiment, sPACeMAN, focuses on the cognitive challenges under extreme conditions and analyzes the distribution of attention across different subtasks.
The importance of microgravity
Microgravity, a condition of weak or near-zero gravity, has far-reaching effects on the human body. These effects are studied not only in space, but also in special facilities on Earth. During an extended period of time in space, increased bone resorption occurs, which leads to a weakening of bone density. This makes astronauts more susceptible to broken bones during their missions, such as the knowledge explained.
The muscles are also less challenged in weightlessness, which quickly leads to muscle weakness and a loss of muscle mass. Back pain and an increased risk of herniated discs can be the result of insufficient spinal stress. The circulatory system also responds to microgravity, as the redistribution of blood to the upper body can lead to muscle loss.
Innovations for health promotion in space
To counteract these negative effects, the European Space Agency (ESA) is working on innovative solutions. ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen took part in a virtual reality experiment testing a new type of exercise bike on the International Space Station. This device, the Fergo, offers state-of-the-art technology and helps increase astronauts' motivation during daily training. Astronauts must exercise at least two hours a day to counteract the effects of microgravity on muscles and bones, like the ESA reported.
With the Fergo, which has been in use since August 2023, the astronauts are able to train on virtual cycle paths. This technology literally simulates cycling on Danish paths, making the exercise much more engaging for the astronauts. Future developments could help to systematically reduce the negative effects of weightlessness and promote the health of astronauts in space.