A collaborative effort involving the University of Southampton and spearheaded by Charite University in Berlin enabled a team of researchers to observe the muscle condition of twelve astronauts before, during, and after their tenure on the International Space Station (ISS).

Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the study findings underscore the astronauts' exercise regimen's effectiveness in maintaining muscle integrity across most groups. However, it also highlights significant weakening in key lower leg muscles.

The application of this novel monitoring technology and assessment protocol promises significant healthcare advancements on Earth, particularly for patients with neuro-musculoskeletal conditions like Parkinson's Disease and stroke, as well as for those in critical care settings.

"Providing astronauts the capability to conduct inflight muscle assessments facilitates real-time adjustments to their exercise routines, optimizing strength retention," notes Professor Maria Stokes OBE from the University of Southampton's School of Health Sciences. "Such personalized training is critical for the success of prolonged missions to the Moon and Mars."

The MyotonPRO, a compact device akin to a smartphone, utilizes a non-invasive "tap and listen" technique to measure muscle, tendon, ligament, fat, and skin properties. Employed throughout the astronauts' missions, this device offered insights into passive muscle stiffness-a critical indicator of muscle strength not previously measurable in space.

"Our findings indicated the astronauts' regimen largely succeeded in preserving muscle stiffness across several body areas. Yet, the tibialis anterior muscle showed consistent weakening among all participants, underscoring the need for targeted exercise adjustments," explains Paul Muckelt, co-lead author and research fellow at the University of Southampton.

Professor Dieter Blottner, project lead at Charite -Universitatsmedizin Berlin, highlighted the importance of lower leg muscle and Achilles tendon monitoring to prevent injuries upon returning to Earth's gravity.

The implications of this research extend far beyond space exploration, potentially transforming muscle health monitoring in diverse healthcare, sports, and home settings. The MyotonPRO's objective measurements offer a new standard for assessing and managing various neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

"This breakthrough not only propels us forward in safeguarding astronaut health on future space missions but also lays the groundwork for revolutionary healthcare advancements across the globe," stated Libby Moxon, Exploration Science Officer at the UK Space Agency.

Research Report:Muscle stiffness indicating mission crew health in space

Related Links
University of Southampton
Space Medicine Technology and Systems