Physiological Effects of Microgravity and Aging
The maximum force a muscle can generate, which decreases during spaceflight due to reduced use and gravitational load.
Reduction in muscle mass due to disuse, leading to loss of strength. Common in microgravity environments.
The ability of a muscle to exert a maximal amount of force in the shortest possible time. It is a combination of strength and speed.
Muscle size, which can decrease due to inactivity, age, or microgravity. Regular strength training and nutritional support are essential to prevent muscle atrophy.
The ability of muscles to sustain prolonged physical activity, reduced in space without proper exercise.
The ability of a muscle to contract and shorten while lifting a load.
The ability of a muscle to lengthen under tension while lowering a load.
The maximum force produced by a muscle at a constant speed throughout the entire range of motion, typically measured with specialized equipment maintaining a fixed velocity.
Health and resilience of ligaments and tendons, vital for preventing injuries during exercise and physical exertion.
Muscle force generated by electrical stimulation, used to assess muscle strength independent of voluntary effort.
Reflects the concentration of minerals in bones, indicating bone strength and resilience.
Maximum effort leading to fatigue, indicating muscle endurance and strength capacity.
It involves sampling a small section of muscle tissue, allowing for detailed examination of muscle fibers and cellular structure. The cross-sectional area of the biopsy sample provides insights into muscle mass, fiber type distribution, and structural changes, essential for studying muscle atrophy in microgravity or aging.
The system that links the nervous system to muscles, essential for coordinating fast, forceful movements, particularly involving fast-twitch fibers.
Also known as slow-twitch fibers, Type I fibers are fatigue-resistant and suited for endurance activities, as they use oxygen efficiently. These fibers are crucial for sustaining low-intensity, long-duration tasks, which can be compromised by aging or extended periods in low-gravity environments.
Known as fast-twitch fibers, Type II fibers are designed for short bursts of power and strength, relying on anaerobic metabolism. These fibers are more susceptible to atrophy in microgravity and with age, impacting strength and power generation.
A motor neuron and the muscle fibers it innervates, crucial for muscle contraction. Fast-twitch motor units are particularly important for explosive strength.
Encompasses physical coordination, balance, and spatial orientation, often tested using assessments like the Harvard Step Test, which are vital for both aging and space-related studies.
A protein that inhibits muscle growth. Targeting myostatin can counteract muscle atrophy in aging and microgravity.
A hormone produced during exercise that promotes muscle growth and fat metabolism. It helps counter muscle loss in aging and astronauts.
Level of cortisol, a stress hormone, monitored to understand physiological responses to exercise and environmental changes.
The process of combining sensory information with motor commands to produce coordinated movements. Enhanced by biofeedback in the ASTROPOWER project to improve exercise outcomes.
A method where sound feedback is used to monitor and adjust muscle tension during exercise, improving the targeting of specific muscle groups.
A diagnostic method used to measure muscle mechanical properties and post-activation potentiation (PAP). It helps assess the effectiveness of power training in fast-twitch muscle fibers.
The state of near-weightlessness experienced in space, which leads to various physiological changes, such as muscle atrophy, cardiovascular deconditioning, and fluid shifts.
The concept that aging and microgravity produce similar physiological effects, making space research relevant to geriatric health.
The decline of muscles and bones due to aging, inactivity, or microgravity, leading to reduced muscle mass and bone density.
Muscles that help maintain posture. These are especially vulnerable to deconditioning in microgravity.
Reduced gravitational forces experienced by astronauts, leading to muscle and bone degradation.
A model that tracks musculoskeletal decline, including dynapenia, sarcopenia, osteopenia, and powerpenia, to help develop personalized training protocols.
Reduced bone mineral density, often seen as a precursor to osteoporosis. Commonly observed in aging and microgravity conditions.
The age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which can lead to increased physical frailty.
Loss of muscle strength not necessarily related to muscle mass loss, affecting aging populations and astronauts in microgravity.
Reduction in muscle power due to loss or dysfunction of fast-twitch motor units, leading to decreased explosive strength. Relevant in both aging and microgravity environments.