Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore undergo rehabilitation after return

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun a 45day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earths gravity after spending nine months in space The duo returned early Wednesday Indian time aboard SpaceXs Crew9 mission splashing down off the coast of FloridaFollowing their extended stay aboard the International Space Station ISS the astronauts will now undergo physical reconditioning to counteract the effects of prolonged weightlessnessAstronauts returning from space often experience physiological changes including fluid shifts causing puffy faces muscle atrophy leading to chicken legs temporary height increase and reduced bone densityMicrogravity affects various aspects of an astronauts body including aerobic capacity muscle strength endurance stamina balance coordination bone density and neuro vestibular functionThe Astronaut Strength Conditioning and Rehabilitation ASCR specialists have implemented a structured reconditioning programme aimed at restoring physical healthThe rehabilitation process begins immediately upon landing and involves twohour daily sessions seven days a week for 45 days The program is customised for each astronaut based on test results medical status and mission rolesThe rehabilitation is divided into three phases The first phase starts on landing day and focuses on mobility flexibility and muscle strengthening The second phase incorporates proprioceptive exercises and cardiovascular training while the third and longest phase prioritises functional developmentPast cases have shown that astronauts often regain and sometimes even improve upon their preflight physical condition after completing this programWilliams and Wilmores prolonged stay in space was unplanned They launched aboard Boeings Starliner on June 5 last year for what was supposed to be an eightday missionHowever technical issues with the spacecrafts propulsion system forced it to return without them extending its stay aboard the ISS Their situation gained widespread attention sparking debates about space travel safety and even political discussionsThe return process began after Crew10 arrived at the ISS on Sunday allowing Williams Wilmore NASAs Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to begin preparations for their journey homeSeventeen hours after departing the ISS their SpaceX Dragon capsule safely splashed down at 327 am IST Following their retrieval from the capsule they were immediately sent for medical evaluations before starting their rehabilitationThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever