Among the many functions performed by skeletal muscles, maintaining posture is one essential facet that allows us to move against the force of gravity.
But when these muscles do not experience gravity for extended periods of time, such as during space travel - an effect known as 'gravitational unloading' - they can start to atrophy leading to changes to their structure and properties.
Gravitational unloading causes deterioration of motor control, and walking difficulty has been observed in crews after spaceflight, even those who have exercised regularly during missions on the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronauts aboard the ISS are required to use treadmills, bicycle ergometers and resistance training equipment to counter the effect of reduced gravity on the neuromuscular system and safeguard their physical health. However, these exercise-based countermeasures are not always effective in preventing certain unwanted neuromuscular changes...