Building Physical Resiliency in Astronauts
The Astronaut Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation (ASCR) group is comprised of certified strength and conditioning professionals, certified/licensed athletic trainers, and physical therapists. Their mission is to optimize the performance, durability, and sustainability of the Astronaut corps by utilizing an interdisciplinary approach towards enhancing physical readiness as Astronauts train for, live in and return from space. The ASCR group provides a full scope of physical training and musculoskeletal medicine services and collaborates with various groups within JSC and the local community to provide an evidence-based approach to optimizing performance for all astronauts and other mission-critical personnel. During a mission, the ASCR group provides pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight mission support to crew, including exercise hardware training, exercise prescription, post flight reconditioning, and musculoskeletal care.
Fun Fact: Although there are only three pieces of exercise equipment used regularly by NASA astronauts onboard ISS, ARED, CEVIS, and T2, there are many modes of exercises and equipment used on the ground to prepare astronauts for flight and adapting back to 1G post-flight.
NASA
Support to Multiple Programs
The ASCR group supports several organizations within NASA such as the Flight Operations Directorate, The Aircraft Operation Division, the Crew Health, and Safety Program, the Human Research Program (HRP), and the International Space Station (ISS) Program. As part of a complete Human Performance and Optimization program, the ASCR group works in collaboration with NASA Flight Surgeons, Behavioral Health and Performance, Nutrition, and Biomedical Research to maximize the Astronaut’s physical and mental resiliency.
Involvement in Research
The ASCR group supports and develops research and collaboration projects from groups within the NASA community and abroad!
Our Facility
The Columbia Center for Human Performance and Research is home to the astronaut gym, Natatorium, the Countermeasures Systems Flight Hardware Training Room, and the Biomedical Laboratory. The facility also includes separate therapy space and exam rooms.
Points of Contact
Bruce Nieschwitz, LAT, ATC
Christi Keeler, MS, LAT, ATC
Corey Twine, MS, SCCC, CSCS
Danielle Anderson DPT, DSc, OCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT
