Exercise Training for Astronauts

The weightless environment of space imposes specific physiologic adaptations on healthy astronauts. On return to Earth, these adaptations manifest as physical impairments that necessitate a period of rehabilitation. Major post flight impairments requiring rehabilitation intervention include orthostatic intolerance, bone demineralization, muscular atrophy and neurovestibular symptoms. This paper will review and discuss existing space rehabilitation plans for major postflight impairments.