Why in news?

Recently, a SpaceX capsule carrying astronauts Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, Aleksandr Gorbunov, and Nick Hague safely splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico after their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore completed a nine-month stay on the ISS, having arrived in June last year via Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

NASA, which employs Mr. Hague, Ms. Williams, and Mr. Wilmore, has a structured regimen to help them re-adapt to Earth's gravity, while Mr. Gorbunov follows recovery protocols set by Russia’s Roscosmos.

What’s in today’s article?

• Effects of Extended Spaceflight on the Human Body
• Monitoring of Astronauts in Space
• Post-Flight Rehabilitation Process
• Importance of Physical Rehabilitation

Effects of Extended Spaceflight on the Human Body

• Microgravity impacts the human body in several ways, including fluid shifts towards the brain, muscle weakening, and reduced bone density.
• To counteract these effects, astronauts follow strict exercise and diet routines while aboard the ISS.
• Managing Psychological and Physiological Stress
  • Space agencies, including NASA, implement programs to help astronauts cope with stress caused by workload and confinement in space.
  • These measures ensure their mental and physical well-being during long missions.
• Challenges in Spaceflight Research
  • Despite increasing space missions, data on the long-term effects of space travel remains limited due to the small number of astronauts, individual biological variations, and differing mission conditions.
  • There are also indications of gender-based physiological differences in response to spaceflight, though conclusive evidence is still lacking.

Monitoring of Astronauts in Space

• In 2024, NASA’s Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer introduced updated medical protocols outlining the tests and checkups astronauts must undergo before, during, and after space missions.
• These guidelines also specify post-mission treatments based on mission duration.
• Monitoring During Long-Duration Missions
  • Astronauts on missions longer than 30 days must conduct self-evaluations at regular intervals (two weeks, three months, six months, and nine months after launch) and submit reports to the crew medical officer.
  • Daily private medical conferences are held for the first week, followed by weekly check-ins and additional assessments before and after spacewalks.
• Health Assessments and Medical Tests
  • Regular Checkups: Hearing and ocular tests every three months; body mass measured monthly.
  • Blood and Urine Tests: Conducted six months after launch or as needed.
  • Blood Flow & Circulation Monitoring: Screening for deep-vein thrombosis and anomalies at one and two months after launch, as well as 42 days before return.
  • Radiation & Strength Monitoring: Astronauts are assessed for radiation exposure and muscle strength throughout their mission.

Post-Flight Rehabilitation Process

• After splashing down on March 19, astronauts begin a structured rehabilitation program involving medical tests and physical activities to aid recovery from microgravity effects.
• Individualized Recovery Plans
  • NASA tailors post-flight reconditioning for each astronaut.
  • While most regain their pre-flight fitness within 45 days, some may require extended rehabilitation based on their recovery pace.
• Medical Assessments Upon Return
  • Immediate Tests (Day of Return): Physical exam, neurological assessment, ECG (resting and ambulatory), eye tests, skin checks, and blood and urine analysis.
    • Astronauts are also tested for orthostatic tolerance (symptoms triggered by standing).
  • Follow-up Examinations: Additional physical exams are conducted three days, one to two weeks, and two months post-return.
    • Further tests are performed as clinically required.
• Psychological and Long-Term Monitoring
  • A mission psychologist may conduct psychological evaluations to assess mental well-being, ensuring astronauts adapt smoothly to life on Earth.

Importance of Physical Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy helps astronauts readjust to Earth's gravity safely, preventing injuries and aiding muscle and bone recovery after prolonged spaceflight.
• Initial Recovery and Assessments
  • Day of Return: Crew surgeon, flight surgeon, and physiotherapist evaluate the need for massage therapy.
  • First Week: Two-hour daily reconditioning with elliptical, rowing, cycling, gait training, and stretching exercises.
• Progressive Rehabilitation
  • Second Week: Introduction of jogging and water-based ball games to enhance mobility and coordination.
  • Daily Monitoring: Medical and physiotherapeutic teams track progress, adjusting the program as needed.
• Key Focus Areas
  • NASA’s reconditioning program targets aerobic capacity, muscular strength, stamina, bone density, balance, agility, coordination, and neuro-vestibular function.
• Completion of Rehabilitation
  • Once astronauts regain pre-flight fitness, they are cleared to resume normal duties.