ESA's New Experiment Aims to Combat Muscle Loss in Astronauts on the ISS
The European Space Agency (ESA) is conducting an experiment called "Muscle Stimulation" to combat muscle loss in astronauts during long-term space missions. The experiment involves electrically stimulating certain muscles to regain mass and strength, with the aim of accelerating recovery. This method, known as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), has been used on Earth as a rehabilitation strategy for patients with physical inactivity. Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen is the first subject of the experiment, and his muscle health will be assessed before and after his six-month flight to provide baseline statistics. The results will be compared to determine if the treatment improves muscle health in future astronauts. The NMES method is expected to complement the current exercise regime followed by astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).