You are just floating in the air for 9 months… and then suddenly you should be asked to walk on the ground! Looks strange to hear, don’t you? But this is the reality of astronauts. What is happening to Sunita Williams and her companions after returning from ISS? What has happened to their feet? And what happens ‘Chicken legs’? Understand the whole story here in easy language.
Also read-Drinking water is made by sweat and urine in space? What Sunita and Buch drank for 9 months
What is the problem for Sunita and Buch?
Sunita Williams and Buch Wilmore have returned to Earth in Spacex’s dragon capsule after staying at 286 days i.e. about 9 months in the International Space Station (ISS). His landing took place on the beach of Tale-Hassi near Florida. But this return is not easy. After spending 9 months in space, now they will have to go through special rehabilitation for 45 days. And the biggest reason for this is the effect of zero gravity.
What is chicken legs?
Actually, there is no gravity in space, that is, we do not work to lift our feet, body weight there. Meaning, the muscles that work to support our weight on the earth slowly start to weaken there. When Estonott stays in space for months, the muscles of their legs shrink and become thin, while the upper part of the body remains the same. In such a situation, when they come back to the earth, their legs start looking thin and weak, just like the chicken legs. Hence it is called “Chikal legs syndrome”.
The effect of zero gravity on the body in space
Due to zero gravity, there are not only “chicken legs”, but there are many problems.
1. Baby feet syndrome – Their nerves and skin become sensitive due to non -use of feet in space.
2. Dizziness and vomiting – Micography causes the balance of the body to deteriorate, which makes it feel like dizziness and vomiting.
3. Bone Density Loss – Bones become weak because calcium starts decreasing.
4. Fluid shift – The liquid of the body goes above the legs, which makes the face look bloated and the feet look more thin. This is the reason that when astronauts return, they have difficulty in walking, standing and maintaining balance.
How is Astronauts recovery?
To overcome all these problems, Sunita Williams and his team have to do a rehabilitation program of 45-days NASA. Know what will be included in this.
Strength Exercise- Workout to reinforce muscles
Cardiovascular Training- Exercise to improve the functionality of the heart and lungs
Bone Recovery Therapy- Special therapy to increase the strength of bones
Balance Training- Training to improve the ability to walk again and stand.
Therefore, after landing, Astronot Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation (ASCR) program is started from the first day, which runs 2 hours daily, 7 days a week.
Why is the training of astronauts important?
If astronauts are not trained properly, then their body can be weak forever. Just think that after staying without gravity for 9 months, your bones and muscles become weak, and suddenly you are put back into gravity, it will take time for the body to adjust back. Therefore, NASA and Spacex take this rehabilitation very seriously.
(Tagstotranslate) nasa astronaut
