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- Title
Low Back Pain in Microgravity and Bed Rest Studies.
- Authors
Pool-Goudzwaard, Annelies L.; BelavÝ, Daniel L.; Hides, Julie A.; Richardson, Carolyn A.; Snijders, Chris J.
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) for astronauts in space (68%) is higher than the 1-mo prevalence for the general population on Earth (39%). It is unclear whether differences occur between healthy subjects and astronauts with a history of LBP. Knowledge of this issue is important to assess whether a history of LBP could have an operational impact. METHODS: We evaluated LBP prospectively during short duration spaceflight (15 d; N = 20) and compared this with similar data collected during two bed rest studies (N = 40). Astronauts completed a questionnaire 5-10 d preflight, during each flight day, and 5-10 d postflight. RESULTS: All astronauts with a history of LBP also developed LBP in flight. These astronauts reported a significantly longer duration of LBP and a different pain location. LBP was most often experienced in the central area of the lower back during spaceflight with an incidence of 70% and a mean pain level of 3 (on a scale of 0-10). Pain resolved within 10 d of flight. No neurological signs were present. The most frequently reported countermeasure was assuming a "knees to chest (fetal tuck) position"combined with stretching. Greater LBP intensity was reported in spaceflight than bed rest with a trend indicating a greater number of days of pain during spaceflight. DISCUSSION: The current study represents a prospective study of LBP in spaceflight. The results indicate that LBP is self-limiting in spaceflight and should not pose an operational risk. Prior LBP on Earth appears to be a risk factor for LBP in spaceflight.
- Subjects
BACKACHE; REDUCED gravity environments; BED rest; HEALTH of astronauts; DISEASE prevalence
- Publication
Aerospace Medicine & Human Performance, 2015, Vol 86, Issue 6, p541
- ISSN
2375-6314
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3357/AMHP.4169.2015