UofL researching ways to keep astronauts healthier in space

Did you know astronauts lose bone density and muscle mass when spending more than a month in space, even if they routinely work out? It’s true and two University of Louisville researchers are working with NASA on ways to keep astronauts healthier while they’re in outer space.

John Caruso and Kathy Carter are colleagues in the department of health and sport sciences. They’ve completed one preliminary study using the Impulse rapid exercise machine that simulates the weightlessness of space. They found that working out in this machine suppressed the breakdown in a person’s heel bone, the first to show signs of density loss among astronauts.

“This is potentially big news for NASA” Caruso said.

The UofL faculty members are also launching another study of an astronaut’s diet. NASA has traditionally prescribed a Paleo diet but Caruso and Carter think a diet that’s heavier in protein and carbohydrates might be better for the athletic astronauts who are doing rigorous workouts every day.

“Changing diet is tough for anybody, but especially when you’re up in space and really want comfort food. It’s going to be hard to convince them this is what they really need to do,” Carter said. “But if we can show it’s going to make them healthier on their return to earth, that’s going to be a big motivator.”  

Hear more about Caruso and Carter’s research in their interview on "UofL Today with Mark Hebert."