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NASA 's astronauts astonished everyone with their weak and emaciated look , upon their return from an unforeseen nine-month journey in orbit.
But now, just two weeks later, Sunita Williams and Michael Foale have left observers amazed yet again.
Williams, who is 59 years old, and Wilmore, aged 62, made their first public appearance since arriving, appearing significantly more robust than before.
Williams, who previously raised health worries with her seemingly weight loss Even mentioned that she was able to begin jogging mere days after being subjected to Earth's gravity.
At a press conference, Williams stated: "It’s almost like a miracle to observe how the human body adjusts itself."
The quick recovery has come as something of a shock, following what was expected by the scientists. highlighted the harsh effects that extended periods in microgravity can have on the human physique.
From 'chicken thighs' and 'infant soles' to a heightened chance of cancer , experts warned that The astronauts who were stranded might experience numerous health issues for many years.
Nevertheless, the astronauts assert that NASA's stringent workout regimen maintained their well-being during spaceflight and enabled them to adapt swiftly back to terrestrial living.
Williams and Wilmore came back to Earth on March 19 inside a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that landed offshore from Florida.
The duo departed from Earth in June the previous year with intentions to carry out an eight-day trial run of the newly developed Boeing Starliner capsule.
Nevertheless, due to multiple technical problems encountered with the Starliner capsule during the mission, the astronauts had to remain onboard until the subsequent crew rotation for their journey back to Earth.
Altogether, they logged 286 days in space. 278 days longer than originally intended.
When spending time in microgravity, astronauts encounter a significant danger of muscle weakening and decreased bone density. This frequently makes it challenging to retracing one's steps on Earth.
Upon landing, both individuals needed assistance to exit their capsules and were then transported on stretchers for a medical evaluation.
There was increased worry about her well-being when pictures showed Williams entering the Johnson Space Centre with an IV tube in her arm.
Williams stated: "On our return, during the initial descent where everyone stepped down the ladder and welcomed everyone else, we were all somewhat unsteady."
Nevertheless, the duo now claim they have achieved an extraordinarily swift recuperation attributed to NASA's scientific expertise.
Williams informed journalists that she "secretly went jogging yesterday," and mentioned her hope to "participate in a few races during the spring."
Wilmore then commented, 'Can anyone even fathom returning from 10 months in space and managing to jog 2 miles at an 8-minute mile pace within just one week?'
'It's unimaginable for the body to withstand that.'
Both indicate that this can be attributed to the intense workout regimen that all astronauts adhere to when they are on the space station and after returning to Earth.
Wilmore stated, "We have a team consisting of astronauts along with their strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation experts, and we work closely with them every single day."
They send us protocols for workouts, and let me tell you, even though I’m not as youthful as before, I was much stronger aboard the space station, lifting heavier weights and doing more repetitions than ever before in my lifetime.
Utilizing specialized workout gear, NASA astronauts engage in two daily exercise sessions to mitigate muscle and bone deterioration, which might lead to issues upon returning to Earth's gravitational pull.
Wilmore mentions that he didn't skip a single day of working out since he went into quarantine on April 22nd of last year.
These comments mirror previous statements by Williams regarding her 'gaunt' look, where she mentioned that she had actually built up muscle mass during her time in space.
After the astronauts come back, NASA sets them up with an individualized 45-day recovery program aimed at regaining their lost muscle strength and equilibrium.
Williams stated: "The ability to improve agility and engage in weightlifting over the coming week leaves you feeling fit enough to venture out for running sessions, as well as lifting weights to perform exercises like squats and deadlifts, which is quite remarkable."
She commented, "Adjusting takes time once we return, whereas they've been with us since our arrival."
Their seemingly improved condition might also be attributed to reverting to a healthier sleep pattern, enhanced nutrition, and considerably lessened pressure.
Vinay Gupta, who is a lung specialist and an ex-military member of the Air Force, mentioned to MailOnline that Williams' face appeared more rounded, with fewer hollow areas. When she and Wilmore conducted their initial interview on Fox News yesterday.
Dr Gupta stated, "She seems to have simply improved her sleep quality. Now she’s back at baseline. Her metabolic functions are adjusting as though they were responding to regular gravitational conditions."
She's likely just consuming more nutritious food and has managed to regulate her diet, helping her regain some pounds.
'I believe two weeks have likely been enough to appear significantly more fit.'
At the press conference, Williams stated that the initial meal she enjoyed upon being reunited with her family was a 'delicious grilled cheese sandwich'.
"Food, for me, is something that brings back memories of home. Since my dad was a vegetarian, I used to enjoy a nice grilled cheese sandwich after coming home. That always made me think of him," Williams explained.
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