How does life in space affect astronauts' sense of gravity?

A study of astronauts aboard the International Space Station found that long-term microgravity changes how they move and grip objects.

In weightlessness, arm movements became slower and more symmetrical, and astronauts tended to overgrip even without gravity.

After returning to Earth, some perception errors about object heaviness lingered, though certain Earth-like movement patterns recovered quickly.

The results suggest spaceflight reshapes the brain’s expectations about gravity and weight, with implications for safety, rehab, and mission design.