After being in space in the body of astronauts, a number of changes occurs. Among them are problems with equilibrium and coordination, a decrease in bone mass, a decrease in muscle mass, changes in the cardiovascular system and deterioration of the immune system.
March 18, 2025, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth after nine months of staying at the International Space Station (ISS). The mission was supposed to last only eight days, but due to a number of technical problems with the Boeing Starliner ship, it had to extend it for an indefinite period. So much time in zero gravity caused serious health problems, and both astronauts will now have to recover for a long time.
After the astronauts returned to Earth, they delivered to the Johnson NASA space center in Houston to undergo a medical examination. NASA astronauts will have a 45-day rehabilitation to eliminate health problems caused by “chicken paws” and “children’s legs” after returning to the ground.
Lack of gravity is one of the main causes of physical problems among astronauts.
Astronauts have to play sports for 2 hours daily on special equipment at the space station to prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass during long flights.
Upon returning to Earth, astronauts may experience dizziness and nausea, since their sensory vestibular system of the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance, needs restructuring.
According to NASA, astronauts lose from 1 to 2% of bone density every month spent in space.
Changing the distribution of fluid in the body due to the lack of gravity can affect the appearance of the body, for example, cause facial edema and decrease in the volume of the legs.
Astronauts are engaged in physical exercises daily in order to minimize the negative effects of staying in space and prevent the loss of bone and muscle tissue during prolonged flights.