Parallels between astronauts and terrestrial patients - Taking physiotherapy rehabilitation "To infinity and beyond"
Journal article
Hides, Julie, Lambrecht, Gunda, Ramdharry, Gita, Cusack, Rebecca, Bloomberg, Jacob and Stokes, Maria. (2017). Parallels between astronauts and terrestrial patients - Taking physiotherapy rehabilitation "To infinity and beyond". Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 27(Supplement 1), pp. S32-S37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2016.12.008
Authors | Hides, Julie, Lambrecht, Gunda, Ramdharry, Gita, Cusack, Rebecca, Bloomberg, Jacob and Stokes, Maria |
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Abstract | Exposure to the microgravity environment induces physiological changes in the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and sensorimotor systems in healthy astronauts. As space agencies prepare for extended duration missions, it is difficult to predict the extent of the effects that prolonged exposure to microgravity will have on astronauts. Prolonged bed rest is a model used by space agencies to simulate the effects of spaceflight on the human body, and bed rest studies have provided some insights into the effects of immobilisation and inactivity. Whilst microgravity exposure is confined to a relatively small population, on return to Earth, the physiological changes seen in astronauts parallel many changes routinely seen by physiotherapists on Earth in people with low back pain (LBP), muscle wasting diseases, exposure to prolonged bed rest, elite athletes and critically ill patients in intensive care. The medical operations team at the European Space Agency are currently involved in preparing astronauts for spaceflight, advising on exercises whilst astronauts are on the International Space Station, and reconditioning astronauts following their return. There are a number of parallels between this role and contemporary roles performed by physiotherapists working with elite athletes and muscle wasting conditions. This clinical commentary will draw parallels between changes which occur to the neuromuscular system in the absence of gravity and conditions which occur on Earth. Implications for physiotherapy management of astronauts and terrestrial patients will be discussed. |
Keywords | spaceflight; microgravity; reconditioning; rehabilitation; exercise |
Year | 2017 |
Journal | Musculoskeletal Science and Practice |
Journal citation | 27 (Supplement 1), pp. S32-S37 |
Publisher | Elsevier Ltd |
ISSN | 2468 7812 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2016.12.008 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85015221584 |
Open access | Published as green open access |
Page range | S32-S37 |
Research Group | Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research |
Author's accepted manuscript | License File Access Level Open |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 19 Dec 2016 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 06 Nov 2016 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/87308/parallels-between-astronauts-and-terrestrial-patients-taking-physiotherapy-rehabilitation-to-infinity-and-beyond
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AM_Hides_217_Parallels_between_astronauts_and_terrestrial_patients.pdf | |
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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