ATHLETIC ENDURANCE TRAINING - ADVANTAGE FOR SPACE-FLIGHT - SIGNIFICANCE OF PHYSICAL-FITNESS FOR SELECTION AND TRAINING OF SPACELAB CREWS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (3) , 215-222
Abstract
While intensive physical exercise was part of the conditioning of astronauts and cosmonauts for spaceflights, its benefits were questioned. After reviewing the pertinent literature, it is concluded that the morphological and functional changes obtained with athletic endurance training are rather specific and of no general advantage for the tolerance to space stresses. Particularly during gravitational loads, in the relaxed subject, these changes allow a more pronounced shift of fluid into the lower extremities, and the possible consequence of a reduced tolerance. This unfavorable response is accentuated through immersion and weightlessness. The aerobic work capacity is also more impaired in athletes. Based on these conclusions, recommendations for crews and passengers of future Spacelab missions are given with respect to selection and pre-and in-flight physical exercise.

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