Canadian Astronaut Thirsk

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, Expedition 20/21 flight engineer, equipped with a bungee harness, exercises on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). One of the major obstacles to long-term space missions is the threat of severe bone loss in astronauts. In the microgravity environment of space, astronauts lose on average 1% to 2% of their bone mineral density every month. For a short-duration flight, bone loss is a fairly minor consequence. On a long-duration space flight, such as those planned for missions to Mars and beyond, bone loss can be a serious impediment. This loss may not hinder astronauts while they are in orbit, but upon return to Earth, their weakened bones will be fragile and at an increased risk of fractures. At this time, it is unknown whether this bone loss will eventually reach a plateau, or whether it will continue indefinitely. The best way to build bone mass is by doing weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, volleyball, and basketball. However, it is very difficult to duplicate weight-bearing exercise in a weightless environment.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• space
• shuttle
• astronaut
• Canadian
• Thirsk

[thenameaintjim]

that was really interesting, thanks.

[thenameaintjim]

@dkw12002 i know! it's the most frustrating thing in the world!!!!!!!!!

[dkw12002]

This is why as soon as a bone such as the tibia is healed, you should start putting weight on it to get it to heal faster and stronger. Now as to space travel. It seems unlikely we will be able to ever explore much of space. There is no reason to believe earth is the only planet in all the trillions of planets with intelligent life, yet nobody has contacted us to our knowledge. There is a reason for this. The distances are too far even at the speed of light.

[SteveBrownOfficial]

@Trinitysx I did. It is a worrying fact. There is a vibrating plate that they use that helps to stimulate the sternum back on earth. So I've seen.

[Trinitysx]

nice i didnt know any of this

[bouiglob]

wow. has anyone ever fractured a bone while walking off the space shuttle?