Low back pain in microgravity and bed rest studies
Data(s) |
01/06/2015
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Resumo |
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. |
Identificador | |
Idioma(s) |
eng |
Publicador |
Aerospace Medical Association |
Relação |
http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30076598/belavy-lowbackpain-2015.pdf http://www.dx.doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.4169.2015 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26099126 |
Direitos |
2015, Aerospace Medical Association |
Palavras-Chave | #Adult #Astronauts #Bed Rest #Female #Humans #Incidence #Low Back Pain #Male #Middle Aged #Prospective Studies #Risk Factors #Space Flight #Weightlessness #Young Adult |
Tipo |
Journal Article |