Mixed
High-load resistance exercise combined with adequate energy and vitamin D intake maintains bone mineral density during long-duration spaceflight, whereas lower-load resistance exercise without optimized nutrition fails to prevent bone loss.
To maintain bone health in microgravity, you must perform high-load resistance exercises (up to 600 lbs) at least 6 days a week, combined with eating enough calories and protein to maintain body weight and taking vitamin D. Low-load exercise or aerobic activity alone will not stop bone loss.
These data document that resistance exercise, coupled with adequate energy intake (shown by maintenance of body mass determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptometry [DXA]) and vitamin D, can maintain bone in most regions during 4- to 6-month missions in microgravity.
Why this rating
Observational cohort study with a small sample size (n=13) and historical controls, but with rigorous biochemical and densitometry measurements.
Source
Benefits for bone from resistance exercise and nutrition in long-duration spaceflight: Evidence from biochemistry and densitometry
Scott M. Smith et al. · Journal of Bone and Mineral Research · 2012
DOI 10.1002/jbmr.1647
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