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Jump training can prevent cartilage damage in astronauts during long space missions, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University.
According to the study, jumping exercises can significantly improve the condition of cartilage in astronauts, especially knee cartilage, which is prone to destruction due to low gravity during long space travel. Such cartilage damage can lead to serious mobility problems, including osteoarthritis, which is critical for performing physically demanding tasks such as spacewalks or operating equipment.
In a study published in the journal npj Microgravity, mice that underwent a nine-week program of jumping exercises were shown to have healthier and thicker cartilage compared to a group of mice that had limited mobility. In the mice that jumped, the cartilage became 26% thicker, indicating an improvement in its condition.
The study authors note that jumping exercises may not only help prevent cartilage damage, but also improve bone strength. For example, mice that performed jumping exercises had 15% higher bone mineral density. This effect is important for astronauts, since microgravity significantly reduces bone and muscle strength, and exercise can be used to maintain their physical fitness.
The study also found that jumping exercises could be beneficial for arthritis patients by stimulating the growth of healthy cartilage. While more research is needed to confirm whether similar benefits would be seen in humans, the results suggest that such training could be used to prepare astronauts for space missions.
Based on these discoveries, experts are considering the possibility of introducing jump training into astronaut training programs, which will help them maintain cartilage and bone health during long flights, as well as in the future on the Moon and Mars.
