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Progressive adaptation in physical activity and neuromuscular performance during 520d confinement
Daniel L Belavý1, Ulf Gast, Martin Daumer
1Centre of Muscle and Bone Research, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. belavy@gmail.com
Plos One
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Prolonged confinement significantly reduces physical activity and leads to neuromuscular performance decrements, particularly in the lower limbs. These findings highlight the negative impacts of inactivity on the musculoskeletal system.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Prolonged confinement, such as in space missions, can lead to physical inactivity.
- Understanding the effects of inactivity on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems is crucial for astronaut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of prolonged confinement on physical activity levels.
- To assess associated changes in neuromuscular performance during isolation.
Main Methods:
- Six subjects were monitored during a 520-day isolation period (Mars500 study).
- Physical activity was measured using the actibelt® device (activity temperature).
- Neuromuscular performance was assessed via countermovement jump power, single-leg hop force, and grip force.
Main Results:
- Physical activity (activity temperature) progressively decreased throughout isolation (p<0.00001).
- Countermovement jump power and single-leg hop force significantly decreased (p<0.001), while grip force remained unchanged (p≥0.14).
- Lower limbs showed greater neuromuscular decrements compared to upper limbs, consistent with inactivity models.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged confinement constitutes a form of physical inactivity.
- Inactivity during confinement induces adaptations in the neuromuscular system, primarily affecting lower-limb function.
- Reduced neuromuscular performance was independent of subject motivation levels.
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