Date of Award

8-19-2009

Date Published

7-30-2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Exercise Science

Advisor(s)

Lori Ploutz-Snyder

Keywords

Health and environmental sciences, Biological sciences, Knee extensor, Muscle atrophy, Muscular unloading, Space exploration

Subject Categories

Public Health

Abstract

Future space exploration must overcome both scientific and non-scientific obstacles. In accordance with the mission statement of the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) (described in Chapter I), there were four major aims of these experiments. The first was to develop an exercise countermeasure to prevent muscle atrophy and weakness during simulated microgravity. The second and third aims were to determine the physiological adaptations in the knee extensor muscles and plantar flexor muscles following prolonged unloading in human subjects and to assess the effectiveness of the exercise countermeasure at preventing disuse atrophy. The final aim was to assess the relationship between scientific literacy and support of American space exploration among college undergraduate students.

A novel exercise protocol of low-load blood flow restricted (LL BFR) resistance training on the knee extensors was developed and implemented during 30 days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) in 16 subjects. The exercise was effective at maintaining muscle mass, strength and endurance in the knee extensors. Subjects who did not exercise experienced significantly reduced muscle size and strength. Additionally, there were neuromuscular adaptations that occurred during disuse that may contribute to the loss of muscle strength. The results from the final aim demonstrated that college undergraduate students have a great deal of support for American space exploration and this support is not dependent on their levels of scientific literacy.

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Open Access

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