Spaceflight and sport science: Physiological monitoring and countermeasures for the astronaut–athlete on Mars exploration missions Review
| Authors: | DeVirgiliis, L.; Goode, N. J.; McDowell, K. W.; English, K. L.; Novo, R.; Botros, V.; Agwu, G.; Scott, J. M.; Ploutz-Snyder, L. L. |
| Review Title: | Spaceflight and sport science: Physiological monitoring and countermeasures for the astronaut–athlete on Mars exploration missions |
| Abstract: | Long-duration spaceflight impacts essentially every system in the human body, resulting in multisystem deconditioning that might impair the health and performance of crewmembers, particularly on long-duration exploration missions to Mars. In this review, we apply the sport science model of athlete monitoring, testing and training to astronauts; tactical athletes, whose occupation includes physically demanding tasks. We discuss exploration-specific physiological monitoring modalities and provide a brief historical overview of physiological countermeasures to spaceflight. Finally, we suggest countermeasures to protect exploration crew health and performance, including targeted preflight and in-flight exercise training, in-flight exercise hardware and adjunct individualized nutrition and sleep considerations. Mars exploration missions will be exemplars of the astronaut–athlete paradigm. An integrated approach to physiological monitoring and countermeasures will maximize the likelihood of exploration mission success. © 2025 The Author(s). Experimental Physiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Physiological Society. |
| Keywords: | review; exercise; physiology; training; etiology; sleep; duration; exercise physiology; sport; athlete; cosmonaut; space flight; physiologic monitoring; human; deconditioning; spaceflight; crew member; countermeasures; athlete monitoring; human/environmental and exercise physiology; sport science; astronomy |
| Journal Title: | Experimental Physiology |
| ISSN: | 0958-0670 |
| Publisher: | Wiley Blackwell |
| Publication status: | Online ahead of print |
| Date Published: | 2025-04-08 |
| Online Publication Date: | 2025-04-08 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1113/ep091595 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PUBMED: | 40198226 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Review -- MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) acknowledged in PubMed and PDF -- Source: Scopus |
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
Related MSK Work