STUDY OF LOW BACK PAIN IN CREWMEMBERS DURING SPACEFLIGHT (MUSCLE)
Research Area: Bone and Muscle Physiology
Expedition(s): 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20
Principal Investigator(s): ● Chris Snijders, University Medical Center, Rotterdam,
Netherlands
● Pool-Goudzwaard, University Medical Center, Rotterdam,
Netherlands
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The main scientific objective of the experiment is to assess the (expected) development of low-
back pain by means of a questionnaire in astronaut/cosmonauts. The type and intensity of pain
recorded after every day is related to the data on the physiological process of muscle
adaptation as obtained from the Berlin Bed Rest Study. This study aims to measure changes in
morphology and muscle volumes by means of MRI in the lower back and pelvic region and the
same questionnaire on low back pain is used. Strong evidence for atrophy of the multifidus
muscle is found in the Berlin Bedrest Study related to pain on the site of the iliolumbar
ligaments.
RESULTS
The prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in space (68%) is higher than on Earth. This is likely due
to changes in the lumbar spine as adaptation to microgravity. Although these changes occur in
response to microgravity, it is not clear when this will lead to the development of LBP in space.
Data is lacking on both development and natural cause of LBP during microgravity.
Aim of the current study was to describe the development and natural cause of LBP in
microgravity during short flight (15 days) and compare this with similar data collected during
the 2 Berlin bed rest studies (n=12). Twenty astronauts participated in the study and filled in a
questionnaire 7 days prior to flight, during each flight day, and 7 days after flight. Besides pain
levels (NRS), location, neurological signs, provoking moments, and relieving countermeasures
were also described. Results demonstrated that LBP, mostly experienced in the central area of
the lower back spreading via the iliac crests, occured in 12 out of 20 astronauts with 2
astronauts who experienced 1 day, 6 experienced 2-4 days, and 4 more > 6 days pain with a
mean pain level NRS of 3 (min 1, max 6). The pain was self-limiting. No LBP was reported by any
astronaut during the last flight days. No pain was reported 7 days after flight. No neurological
signs were present.
This investigation is complete; however additional results are pending publication.