Central Sports Supports Health Management for Japanese Astronauts

Central Sports and the Health Management of Japanese Astronauts

Central Sports Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Seiji Goto) is actively involved in the health management operations of Japanese astronauts as part of a project initiated by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The company is responsible for measuring maximum oxygen uptake as part of exercise and physiological support for astronauts.

Looking forward to August 2025, astronaut Takuyu Onishi is set to return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), while astronaut Koichi Wakata will begin a long-duration mission aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-11) to the ISS. Central Sports has conducted maximum oxygen uptake assessments for both astronauts at the Tsukuba Space Center located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Importance of Exercise for Astronauts and the Role of Central Sports

The ISS operates in a microgravity environment, which, as research has shown, can lead to muscle and bone mass reduction over long-duration stays. To mitigate the physical impacts of this environment, the exercise programs for astronauts are structured into three distinct phases: pre-launch, in-flight, and post-flight.

1. Pre-launch: Training aimed at preparing the body to adapt to the unique conditions of space.
2. In-flight: Maintaining muscle and cardiovascular function utilizing three different exercise devices on the ISS—treadmills, bicycle ergometers, and resistance exercise devices (ARED).
3. Post-flight: Exercises aimed at re-adapting to a gravitational environment and recovering bodily functions.

To ensure that these exercises are carried out effectively, regular medical examinations and physical assessments are conducted for evaluation and monitoring purposes.

Central Sports plays a significant role in conducting these evaluations, especially regarding maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) assessments at the Tsukuba Space Center. The results from these measurements are instrumental in establishing the exercise intensity tailored to each astronaut’s fitness level.

Key Business Partners in Health Management Operations for Japanese Astronauts

This health management endeavor is managed by the Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) under a contract from JAXA and is set to last from April 2025 to March 2031. JAMSS coordinates the overall health management operations through collaboration with various specialized organizations, including Central Sports, which focuses specifically on VO₂max measurement for astronauts.

Here are some of the key partner organizations and their respective responsibilities:

- Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS): Overall coordination of health management operations (including adjusting for medical examinations).
- Otsuma Women's University: Responsible for nutritional assessments and interviews for astronauts.
- AIM Services: Also involved in nutritional assessments and interviews for astronauts.
- Kyorin University: Handles exercise and physiological support services for astronauts.
- Central Sports Co., Ltd.: Conducts VO₂max measurements for astronauts.
- Mental Rescue Association: Provides mental health consultations for astronauts.
- Tokyo Technical Calculation Consultant: Supports tasks related to space radiation exposure management.

Logos of partner organizations displayed with permission.

About Central Sports Co., Ltd.

Founded in December 1969 by the Tokyo Olympic swimming representative Tadaji Goto—along with notable figures such as Takashi Ono, Kiyoko Ono, and Yukio Endo—Central Sports aims to cultivate Olympic athletes of international caliber. The company has produced numerous Olympic medalists, including athletes like Daisuke Suzuki (swimming, Seoul Olympics), Hiroki Tomita, and Takehiro Kashima (gymnastics, Athens Olympics). Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Games, accomplishments are expected from athletes like Daiki Hashimoto, Kazuma Kaya, and Kaito Tanigawa in gymnastics competitions.

Today, Central Sports upholds its mission of contributing to health and well-being from infancy through adulthood and runs approximately 260 sports clubs across Japan. Their Kids School programs (offering gymnastics, swimming, dance, etc.) focus not only on physical development through sports but also emphasize the emotional education of children, supporting the healthy growth of youth.