Sooner or later, the health of astronauts who spend long periods of time in space will suffer. A NASA study has shown that after spending six months in orbit on the International Space Station, some of its muscles shrink by up to 15% and are 25% weaker when an effort is required.
In just one month, astronauts also lose between 0.4% and 1% of bone density. To avoid this as much as possible, they should exercise at least two hours a day . In general, they use treadmills, different varieties of specially adapted exercise bikes, ergometers – devices that simulate the action of rowing – and aRED and iRED machines, designed to generate resistance and train strength.
All these devices are anchored to the ship and usually include a system of straps so that users are firmly attached to them , since, otherwise, they would be thrown against the walls.
Image: NASA / ESA
