The book provides fundamental new insights in the structure and function of the healthy
NeuroMuscular system. Recent findings suggest that the musculoskeletal system that supports
movement control on Earth is controlled by unique principles of structural biochemical and
molecular characteristics. Mechanical loading by working against normal gravity helps to
support principal structures in bone muscle and associated subcellular scaffold components.
Disuse or immobilization of the body in bed rest on Earth or in microgravity in Space result in
considerable loss of bone muscle and force with downregulation of neuromuscular activity
resulting in impaired performance control. The goal is to develop exercise prescriptions to
maintain postural control in normal life aging and rehabilitation on Earth as well as for an
adequate human performance management in Space.
