Zero-G vanishing bone issue solved, says prof American brainboxes funded by NASA say they have found a way to deal with one of the most severe problems of space flight - that is, the way one's bones gradually become as flimsy as dry twigs after long exposure to microgravity. According to researchers at the University of Washington, the problem of bone loss in microgravity …
Would it not seem simpler to modify the suits they wear to provide a certain amount of resistance to movement? Either with elastic around the joints, or with some mechanism to stiffen joints? That way they can be exercising muscles all day long, with every action they take, instead of just for a short period on the treadmill.
Wouldn't an elastic strap running from your hips / shoulders down to your feet do a decent job of simulating the forces you would feel on your legs when standing up?
Is it possible that weight training could have the same effect? For almost all men, there is some woman in their lives on whom osteoporosis may potentially have devastating effects -- if you ever see what it can do to someone, you'd know all too well how true this is -- and if its a simple as this, lets give them some 10 or 20 lb dumbells and have them do stepping exercises. You have to be careful about taking it too far and getting wear arthritis, but get the parameters right, and it could be a lifesaver.
Osteo is a killer not simply because of the extreme effects, the hunching over as the neck or spine deteriorates, but also because of the vulnerability it creates to minor bumps, and the way it makes falls which earlier would have been perfectly survivable into life threatening events. Broken wrists, for instance, from an apparently minor bump. Broken hips from stumbling and falling even on a well padded and carpeted floor. Its a very serious problem. Men get it too, less so, but they do.
The constant hammering into the tatami should see bone loss a thing of the past.
And, with that in mind, I propose the the astronauts spend 30 mins a day in a type of "human washing machine" being bounced around and thus ensuring that their bone structure remains sturdy. Perhaps Mr. Dyson can assist?
chyurr... the level of education of some people posting messages here is appalling. You can ignite your interest in physics, according to a Sponsored Link, at the IOP.
Steve Taylor's Grannies in Space idea is an excellent one. It has the additional benefit that they needn't worry about osteoporosis on account of having artificial hips already. I guess they'd need to sort out that Urine Processor Assembly first.
Resistance Training then, but the general principle is the same. Instead of lifting weight (which is pretty close to zero in zero gravity) you push against/pull a resisting force (a bar connected to some springs pehaps) whilst braced against something else.
Anyway it can't be that simple or else it would be fixed by now.
What about hooking the treadmill / rowing machine or whatever up to a generator, then all their bone-saving exertion can be put to good use charging batteries. Then put this next to the window facing the earth and you've got the world's best view whilst you work out. Or else use their person-power to propel their their problematic poop pump.
The report may be new, but the concept has been applied all over the place.
The American space program has used various treadmill modifications (elastic tethers, negative pressure* waist cuff things, etc) and the Russians had a "penguin suit" which applied force against the limbs throughout the day.
The problem isn't technical. The problem is compliance. The solutions are tedious and uncomfortable to use.
* - yes, I know there's no such thing
but what about other bones? Skull? Spine? Arms?
Hmmm. If bungee-cord pulling down from the hips works for legs, perhaps they should make all the jumpsuits the crew wear (one-piece, with gloves/socks/hood attached) two sizes too small so their entire skeleton is under compression...
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