Zusammenfassung

Abstract Background To optimise health for space missions, European astronauts follow specific conditioning programs before, during and after their flights. To evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, the European Space Agency conducts an Astronaut Fitness Assessment (AFA), but the test–retest reliability of elements within it remains unexamined. The reliability study described here presents a scientific basis for implementing the AFA, but also highlights challenges faced by operational teams supporting humans in such unique environments, especially with respect to health and fitness monitoring of crew members travelling not only into space, but also across the world. The AFA tests assessed parameters known to be affected by prolonged exposure to microgravity: aerobic capacity ( V O 2max ), muscular strength (one repetition max, 1 RM) and power (vertical jumps), core stability, flexibility and balance. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 3.1 ), standard error of measurement and coefficient of variation were used to assess relative and absolute test–retest reliability. Results Squat and bench 1 RM (ICC 3.1 = 0.94–0.99), hip flexion (ICC 3.1 = 0.99) and left and right handgrip strength (ICC 3.1 = 0.95 and 0.97), showed the highest test–retest reliability, followed by V O 2max (ICC 3.1 = 0.91), core strength (ICC 3.1 = 0.78–0.89), hip extension (ICC 3.1 = 0.63), the countermeasure (ICC 3.1 = 0.76) and squat (ICC 3.1 = 0.63) jumps, and single right- and left-leg jump height (ICC 3.1 = 0.51 and 0.14). For balance, relative reliability ranged from ICC 3.1 = 0.78 for path length (two legs, head tilted back, eyes open) to ICC 3.1 = 0.04 for average rotation velocity (one leg, eyes closed). Conclusions In a small sample ( n = 8) of young, healthy individuals, the AFA battery of tests demonstrated acceptable test–retest reliability for most parameters except some balance and .