Post-flight rehabilitation of an astronaut after long duration mission in space: Through the eyes of a flight surgeon

Abstract

Dwelling in the microgravity environment of space results in various physiological adaptations, namely, cardiovascular deconditioning, neurovestibular changes, loss of bone, and muscle mass. These changes affect the physiological functioning of the human body on return to Earth. Hence, post-flight reconditioning programs are implemented by the International Space Agencies with the aim of returning the Astronauts to their pre-flight physical condition. This paper deals with the post-flight rehabilitation of an Astronaut, which was conducted by a foreign Astronaut Training Center, after his long duration mission of 6 months on board International Space Station. The rehabilitation program consisted of Post-flight Medical Evaluation and Post-flight Physical Reconditioning. With the advent of the Human Spaceflight Program, the lessons learned in this rehabilitation program would be helpful in formulating post-flight rehabilitation protocol for Indian Astronauts during India’s maiden Human Spaceflight mission as well as serve as a template for future exploration missions.