Fit, and on a Mission
Can the human body survive a lengthy Martian sojourn?
"I think people will start thinking about this more seriously when the first crews come back from the station, and they're like jellyfish," Kreitenberg says. But he adds: "The great thing we found is that this is a lot of fun to ride."
Maintaining health in space
Muscles and bones atrophy after long periods without exercise and gravity. But this prototype "space cycle," currently housed at the University of California--Irvine Medical Center, could provide astronauts with both.
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The pedaling motion sets the cycle spinning, producing an artificial gravity.
Pedaling provides a muscular and aerobic workout.
Chair; Hub; Chair; Handlebars; Pedal
Sources: Dr. Arthur Kreifenberg, Center for Orthopedic and Sports Excellence; J.B. Witmer Co.; Rod Little--USN&WR
The Discovery Channel will rebroadcast Inside the Space Station at 6 p.m.(ET) on December 17, at 9 p.m. and 1 a.m (ET) on December 18, and at 6 p.m. (ET) on December 23.
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