The problem we are tying to fix is to be able to strengthen our bones and muscles while in space, with micro gravity not giving us a fair chance of being fit and strong. The problem is very important because Micro gravity will conduct bone loss, and muscle loss. With our bones and muscles getting weak at a rapid pace, it will be difficult to do normal everyday activities. "Space is a harsh environment that affects the body in many ways. In microgravity, bone loss occurs at a rate of 1 to 1.5 percent a month, leading to an acceleration of age-related changes similar to osteoporosis. Decreases in bone density and strength are more pronounced in some skeletal regions, such as the pelvis, although much of the loss is reversible upon return to Earth. Prolonged exposure to weightlessness also increases the risks of kidney stones and bone fractures, which are both associated with bone demineralization. In addition, studies suggest that microgravity alters the ability of bones to heal after fractures.Long stays in space also impact muscles. There is loss of muscle mass, strength and endurance, especially in the lower extremities. Changes in muscle performance, coupled with the effects of microgravity on connective tissues and the demands of activities of varying intensities, place astronauts at risk of fatigue and injury"Aug 15, 2005, Jeffrey Sutton, director of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute and Nitza Cintr¿n, chief of NASA's Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office
( Click on Images to make them appear larger )
This picture is demonstrating how the bone and muscles are loseing strenght, compared to the baseline.
It shows the stength of the outbound flight, martian surface and the return flight. The picture is showing the bone, muscle of the knee, and muscle of the ankle. The other picture demonstrates almost the same criteria as the last, but has different examples.
It shows the stength of the outbound flight, martian surface and the return flight. The picture is showing the bone, muscle of the knee, and muscle of the ankle. The other picture demonstrates almost the same criteria as the last, but has different examples.
Sources:
- http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-does-spending-prolong/
- http://www.google.com/searchq=how+does+microgravity+affect+bones+and+muscles&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=FJs9U_6sNOSqyAHQ_4DwBw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=799&surl=1#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=cbMafUB9PXcXxM%253A%3BNtDHvseEdDpD0M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fjournalofcosmology
- http://marsmissionpbl.weebly.com/
- http://www.google.com/search?q=bone+and+muscle+loss+on+mars/+space&safe=active&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=fPM-U5CcNqzyyAHgtICwCQ&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=799&surl=1#facrc=na_&imgdii=_&imgrc=x4pxRk5tGT3gnM%253A%3B_u6STN8w9-lFeM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fjourlofcosmology.com%252Fimages%252FQinFigure1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fjournalofcosmology.com%252FMars148.html%3B600%3B323