Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32557: Running in Orbit: The Science of Treadmill Exercise on the ISS

Living in space takes a toll on the human body, especially on muscles and bones. Without gravity, astronauts can lose strength and mass rapidly. That’s where the Biomechanical Analysis of Treadmill Exercise comes into play.

Led by Dr. John De Witt of NASA's Johnson Space Center, this study explores how running on a specially designed treadmill in microgravity affects the human body. The goal? To maintain astronaut health during long-duration missions and ensure they return to Earth ready to walk, work, and live normally.

On the ISS, astronauts are harnessed to a treadmill to simulate the impact of gravity. Sensors track their movement, forces, and biomechanics. The data helps optimize exercise protocols and hardware design to protect bones and muscles more effectively.

This research not only enhances crew health but also benefits Earth-based medicine. Insights into muscle atrophy, joint stress, and rehabilitation have implications for elderly care and physical therapy programs.

Ultimately, it prepares us for future missions to the Moon and Mars, where exercise will be a critical component of survival and performance.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.