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.