Physiotherapy jobs in space.
What does all this mean in terms of opportunities for physios?
If private space ventures such as Virgin Galactic become popular, says Huw, there may be potential for physiotherapists to be involved in the preparation and treatment of space tourists.
The first hundred passengers scheduled to fly range from 18 to 88 years of age. Those who are less active or fit may well benefit from pre- or post-flight physiotherapy.
‘Virgin Galactic flights are only going to be in microgravity for three minutes, so people won’t experience any physiological challenges,’ says Huw. However, they will feel the weight effects of acceleration, or G-force.
‘There are huge G-forces on the way up and way down,’ he says. ‘Up to 4G on the way up and 5G on the way down – and for a normal person, that’s a lot of pressure on the body.’
Agencies such as ESA may require more physiotherapists as space travel advances, says Dr Damann.
‘The missions will become longer and we will hopefully explore the moon, Mars and beyond,’ he says.
‘There are also plans to build hotels in space, which we may see in a couple of years. As you’d expect at any good four- or five-star hotel, physiotherapists may be present. If that industry really kicks off, there may be lots of opportunities.’
In the meantime, space research may provide valuable insights that can be used to treat various conditions and applied to the care of older and bedridden people.
Additionally, the dramatic changes that occur in space serve as a radical reminder of how essential exercise and regular activity are for the body.
‘Our biology is built in such way that if we use something it increases,’ says Dr Damann. ‘And equally if we don’t use something it decreases.’
Huw Scott agrees and points out that, although space is an extreme environment, it demonstrates how rapidly the body can adapt in response to our lifestyles.
‘So many of us sit at desks for eight hours a day,’ says Huw. ‘And then we wonder why people get bad backs and muscle imbalances.’ fl