August 23, 2010

Fitts publishes landmark study on muscle wasting in astronauts

The Journal of Physiology in September will publish a first of its kind study led by Robert Fitts, chair and professor of biological sciences. His research found that prolonged exposure to weightlessness could cause astronauts to lose more than 40 percent of their muscle strength even with regular exercise.

In what is the first cellular analysis of the effects of long duration space flight on human muscle, Fitts concluded the development of improved space exercise regimes are necessary for manned spaceflights to Mars.

Fitts has studied the muscular deterioration in astronauts for nearly 20 years.

Coverage of Fitts' study has appeared in more than 200 local, national and international media outlets, including:

Associated Press
BBC World Service radio
China Daily
The Independent (United Kingdom) 
USA Today
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WUWM's Lake Effect 
MSN.com
Time.com
Space.com

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