Faculty Collaboration Database

Exercise in space: human skeletal muscle after 6 months aboard the International Space Station. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2009 Apr;106(4):1159-68

Date

01/20/2009

Pubmed ID

19150852

DOI

10.1152/japplphysiol.91578.2008

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-66149124537 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   360 Citations

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to document the exercise program used by crewmembers (n = 9; 45 +/- 2 yr) while aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for 6 mo and examine its effectiveness for preserving calf muscle characteristics. Before and after spaceflight, we assessed calf muscle volume (MRI), static and dynamic calf muscle performance, and muscle fiber types (gastrocnemius and soleus). While on the ISS, crewmembers had access to a running treadmill, cycle ergometer, and resistance exercise device. The exercise regimen varied among the crewmembers with aerobic exercise performed approximately 5 h/wk at a moderate intensity and resistance exercise performed 3-6 days/wk incorporating multiple lower leg exercises. Calf muscle volume decreased (P < 0.05) 13 +/- 2% with greater (P < 0.05) atrophy of the soleus (-15 +/- 2%) compared with the gastrocnemius (-10 +/- 2%). Peak power was 32% lower (P < 0.05) after spaceflight. Force-velocity characteristics were reduced (P < 0.05) -20 to -29% across the velocity spectrum. There was a 12-17% shift in myosin heavy chain (MHC) phenotype of the gastrocnemius and soleus with a decrease (P < 0.05) in MHC I fibers and a redistribution among the faster phenotypes. These data show a reduction in calf muscle mass and performance along with a slow-to-fast fiber type transition in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are all qualities associated with unloading in humans. Future long-duration space missions should modify the current ISS exercise prescription and/or hardware to better preserve human skeletal muscle mass and function, thereby reducing the risk imposed to crewmembers.

Author List

Trappe S, Costill D, Gallagher P, Creer A, Peters JR, Evans H, Riley DA, Fitts RH

Author

Robert Fitts PhD Professor in the Biological Sciences department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aerobiosis
Biopsy
Energy Metabolism
Exercise
Female
Humans
Isometric Contraction
Leg
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Contraction
Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch
Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch
Muscle, Skeletal
Myosin Heavy Chains
Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Physical Fitness
Space Flight
Weightlessness