Astronaut Adaptation to 1 G Following Long Duration Space Flight

The physiological effects of microgravity have come under intense study since the first space flight programs were initiated. With the possibility of manned space stations on the horizon and long-term space flight the need for effective countermeasures upon re-entry to the Earth's atmosphere become even more important. This review describes the changes observed in several physiological systems concentrating primarily on the adaptations of skeletal muscle as well as the effect of various training protocols and countermeasures used to attenuate the physiological problems microgravity presents following return to the earth.