SOLAR SYSTEM

UNIVERSE

SPACE EXPLORATION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Why do astronauts who live on the space station have to exercise every day?
A
There is not much else to do, and exercising passes the time
B
It prevents their bones and muscles from weakening.
C
Astronauts need to stay in good shape.
D
It helps them to sleep better at night.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -In the microgravity environment aboard the orbiting International Space Station, bones and muscles don’t have to support the body’s mass (weight on Earth). Without Earth-like exercise, astronauts would experience bone and muscle loss or atrophy during their stays in space.

Detailed explanation-2: -Physical activity is the most effective way to counteract the adverse effects of weightlessness on the human body. Exercise is therefore a crucial part of the daily routine on board the International Space Station ( ISS ).

Detailed explanation-3: -Bone loss and kidney stones are well-known as essential problems for astronauts to overcome during extended stays in space. Crew members engage in physical exercise for 2.5 hours a day, six times a week (15 hours a week) while in orbit to avoid these issues.

Detailed explanation-4: -Just like muscles, if you don’t use your bones, they will weaken. Bone loss occurs in the weightless environment of space because bones no longer have to support the body against gravity.

Detailed explanation-5: -Because astronauts work in a weightless environment, very little muscle contraction is needed to support their bodies or move around. Without regular use and exercise our muscles weaken and deteriorate. It’s a process called atrophy.

Detailed explanation-6: -The bone loss occurs due to a lack of gravity in space, where typically weight-bearing bones on Earth are weightless. The study was conducted on 17 astronauts-14 men and three women with an average age of 47-who flew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the past seven years.

Detailed explanation-7: -Astronauts have to exercise almost 2 hours a day on special exercise equipment to make their muscles work and stay healthy for their return to Earth. Even on Earth, with gravity pulling against us as we move around, we need to exercise to maintain healthy and strong muscles.

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