Space Physiotherapy

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Original Editor - Srishti Banerjee

Top Contributors - Srishti Banerjee, Kim Jackson and Rishika Babburu  

Introduction

Physiotherapy continues to expand horizons and physiotherapy in space is one such example. When exposed to microgravity , the astronauts experience physiological changes similar to detraining athletes or senile bedridden patients. A physiotherapist works with a sports scientist and prepares and conditions the astronaut for the space flight and reconditions the astronaut after their return. The role of physiotherapy begins with aiding the pre flight stress relief, counteracting in-flight symptoms , design a well curated exercise regime during the space station stay.

Adaptions of human body to microgravity

The physiological adaptations of the human body depends on the duration of the flight. The space flight can be a short space flight which ranges from one day to 14 days whereas long space flight is up to 14 days. The physiological adaptations occur because of two major factors : 1) reduced hydrostatic gradient 2) reduced ground reaction force. These factors leads to unloading and disuse of weightbearing structures.

Cardiovascular system adaptations

As the hydrostatic gradient reduces , there is an upward shift of the blood and fluids in the thoraco-cephalic region and there is shift of the fluid from the extracellular space to intracellular space leading to puffy face. The total cardiac work reduces. When the astronaut is continuously exposed to microgravity the volume of the left ventricle reduces. There is evidence of cardiac atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging resulting from prolong exposure to microgravity. It has been found that while returning to earth there is reduction in orthostatic tension which results in postural hypotension while returning to the earth.

Pulmonary System adaptations

During the first 3 days in microgravity , the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity increases in standing and sitting which returns to baseline i.e pre flight levels after 3 days. Exposure to microgravity leads to a reduced maximal exercise capacities,.

Adaptations in body fluids

Both during short as well as long space flight plasma and red cell mass decreases. The hemoglobin levels increases in short space flight where is reduces in long space flight because of increased potassium intake. The weight can change from a gain of 0.1kg to loss of 5.9 Kg⁵

Fluid loss accounts for 50 % of weight loss and rest is due to fats and proteins. Inadequate energy intake leads to fat loss.

Neurological adaptations

Neuro - vestibular effects are very commonly experienced by about 70 percent astronauts which includes immediate reflex motor response where the astronauts experience postural illusions, rotation ,dizziness, vertigo , space motion sickness which includes pallor, cold sweating, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms of motion sickness also occur during the flight but subsides after 2-7 days. However even though these symptoms can endanger the overall health of the astronaut , currently there are no counter measures for the same.

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