Artificial Gravity Tests Could Lessen Muscle Loss, Say Researchers

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Artificial gravity tests could reduce muscle loss
Image Source: EPA/SASCHA STEINBACH

As per researchers and scientists, spinning bedridden patients as well as astronauts on a centrifuge could uphold muscle strength and which ultimately reduce muscle loss. Scientists say that patients could one day turned around in machine which helps them to arouse the effects of gravity to avoid muscle loss and muscle wastage during long hospitals stays. This new study will search out regarding what happens when volunteers subjected to 60 days of bed rest, spend about thirty minutes daily strapped to a human centrifuge. This research will be carried out by two UK Universities and will definitely assist astronauts who are sent to long missions.

What Professor Hans Degens says?

As per the wordings of Professor Hans Degens, who is leading the work at Manchester Metropolitan University alleged that; Artificial Gevity could assist astronauts in upholding muscle mass in space. It will also help back here on Earth too by stopping stern muscle deterioration in hospitalized patients.  He added ‘ at present astronauts have to exercise for about 2.5 hours daily, also should take nutrient supplements and consume high protein diets.  This routine will help them to maintain muscle mass during their stay in space. However, despite all this muscle deterioration will still occur. ‘ he said that ‘ for at least one day astronauts have a daily quick spin in a centrifuge on the ISS instead of spending hours on the gym equipment in space.

Professor Hans Degens also says that ‘for hospital patients, it will help them to perk up their recovery at the time of rehabilitation and after that, they leave. ‘There will be about 12 healthy men along with 12 healthy women who will take part in this research. These people will be given 60 days of bed rest to provide them with the exact effects of microgravity space conditions. Some will also spend thirty minutes on a daily basis by lying flat in a human centrifuge as it spins. Range of tests and examination will be carried out to know muscle degeneration along with ways to prevent lower back pain.

Science Minister Chris Skidmore

On the other side, Science Minister Chris Skidmore supposed that ‘this ground-breaking research is expected to reduce the impact on future space flights, and which will be very important if ever send humans on long Mars journey.’ He added that ‘it would also benefit on Earth even by assisting many patients who experience muscle weakness and loss due to extended stays in the hospital bed. According to him, we will require to hold close this new technology to fulfill the requirements of our aging society. The UK Space Agency also supports this fantastic research. Also to carry out this project Northumbria University and Manchester Metropolitan received University £500,000 in hope to be successful at any cost.