Cardiovascular disease in space: A systematic review.

Background: With expanding commercial space programs, uncertainty remains about the cardiovascular effects of space environmental exposures including microgravity, confinement, isolation, space radiation, and altered bacterial virulence. Current limited data suggests additional health threats compared to Earth.

Methods: We systematically reviewed PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for prospective studies on spaceflight and cardiovascular outcomes.

Human Health during Space Travel: State-of-the-Art Review.

The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.

Synovial Fluid Cytokines, Chemokines and MMP Levels in Osteoarthritis Patients with Knee Pain Display a Profile Similar to Many Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background: There are currently no effective disease-modifying drugs to prevent cartilage loss in osteoarthritis and synovial fluid is a potentially valuable source of biomarkers to understand the pathogenesis of different types of arthritis and identify drug responsiveness. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between SF cytokines and other proteins in patients with OA ( = 21) to those with RA ( = 27) and normal knees ( = 3).

Methods: SF was obtained using ultrasound (US) guidance and an external pneumatic compression device.

Back Pain in Outer Space.

Space travel has grown during the past 2 decades, and is expected to surge in the future with the establishment of an American Space Force, businesses specializing in commercial space travel, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration's planned sustained presence on the moon. Accompanying this rise, treating physicians are bracing for a concomitant increase in space-related medical problems, including back pain. Back pain is highly prevalent in astronauts and space travelers, with most cases being transient and self-limiting (space adaptation back pain).

Comparison of Internal Jugular Vein Cross-Section Area During a Russian Tilt-Table Protocol and Microgravity.

To date, we lack U.S. data on the effects of the long-used Russian tilt-table training protocol known as the Russian pre-launch tilt-table training protocol on internal jugular vein cross sectional area (IJV-CSA) in microgravity.

SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Impacts on NASA Ground Operations to Protect ISS Astronauts.

NASA implements required medical tests and clinical monitoring to ensure the health and safety of its astronauts. These measures include a pre-launch quarantine to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases. During space missions, most astronauts experience perturbations to their immune system that manifest as a detectable secondary immunodeficiency.

Axial loading and posture cues in contraction of transversus abdominis and multifidus with exercise.

Astronauts are at increased risk of spine injury. With a view to developing training approaches for the muscles of the spine in microgravity, this study examined the effects of axial loading and postural cues on the contraction of transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus in supine lying using a novel exercise device (GravityFit). Thirty (18 males and 12 females) endurance-trained runners without a history of spinal pain aged 33-55 years were recruited.

Serratus Anterior Contraction During Resisted Arm Extension (GravityFit) Assessed by MRI.

Background: Scapular stabilization is a common focus of shoulder rehabilitation.

Objective: Examine contraction of serratus anterior during a bilateral arm extension exercise with axial compression using an exercise device (GravityFit) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: MRI was performed under two conditions: rest and static arm extension with axial compression.

Concerns About Ankle Injury Prophylaxis and Acceptance of the Parachute Ankle Brace Among Jumpmaster Students.

Introduction: Several studies have shown that the parachute ankle brace (PAB) is safe, cost-effective, and reduces the rates of ankle injuries during military parachuting. However, the acceptability and usability of the PAB has not been well established in units that regularly do airborne exercises. Many anecdotal concerns in the past may be limiting common use.

Disc herniations in astronauts: What causes them, and what does it tell us about herniation on earth?

Purpose: Recent work showed an increased risk of cervical and lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) herniations in astronauts. The European Space Agency asked the authors to advise on the underlying pathophysiology of this increased risk, to identify predisposing factors and possible interventions and to suggest research priorities.

Methods: The authors performed a narrative literature review of the possible mechanisms, and conducted a survey within the team to prioritize research and prevention approaches.

Space adaptation back pain: a retrospective study.

Introduction: Back pain is frequently reported by astronauts during the early phase of spaceflight as they adapt to microgravity. The epidemiology of space adaptation back pain has not been well defined. This study aims to develop a case definition of space adaptation back pain, determine its incidence, and assess the effectiveness of available treatments.

Musculoskeletal injuries and minor trauma in space: incidence and injury mechanisms in U.S. astronauts.

Introduction: Astronauts have sustained musculoskeletal injuries and minor trauma in space, but our knowledge of these injuries is based mainly on anecdotal reports. The purpose of our study was to catalog and analyze all in-flight musculoskeletal injuries occurring throughout the U.S.