At NASA, optimal functional performance, such as standing, is taken very seriously. After working on the International Space Station in a weightless environment for an extended period, the astronauts on returning to Earth takes time to readjust to an environment with gravity.

Many a times, even standing upright becomes a challenge for them. But, it is very important for their job performance as NASA is looking forward at longer missions in the future and landing humans on Mars.

As a part of NASA's One-Year Mission, the researchers have been conducting many Human Research Program investigations, including the ones that examine the changes in performance of functional tasks.

The motive, behind such kind of investigations, is to know more about how the human body responds to a long-term, low-gravity environment. Results of these investigations can also prove helpful for the patients on Earth that are recuperating from a long period of bed rest.

It is very important for the astronauts to be able to conduct specific tasks when landing on a planet, as they are planning for Mars operations and other deep space missions.

Whenever the astronauts return to Earth's gravity after months of weightlessness, the Field Test and Functional Task Test examines their functional performance.

Standing is just one of the examples of the performance elements that are must on a mission to Mars. Besides it, there are many other systems in the body that influence the ability to complete critical tasks.

For a complete picture of functional performance, these investigations will be looking at neurosensory networks, hand-eye movements, fluid distribution and cardiovascular and skeletal muscle performance.

Researchers are hoping to develop a recovery timeline for crew members and evaluate methods helpful for retraining the body's ability to carry out necessary tasks.

Such kinds of methods and tests will mimic potential astronaut activities and their capability to perform them once they trek the six or eight months to Mars.