Display Page As Plain Text NASA Bioastronautics Roadmap SLSD JSC
Home | Missions | CC Areas | Disciplines | Risks | R & T Questions | Tasks | Deliverables | Processes | Search | Links | Help
Skip Risk List

Disciplines

   
   
  Current Selection Filters
 
Human Health and Countermeasures
 
Bone Loss
 
 
All
 
 
Skip Risk/EQ/Task List
4 Risks found.
1 Accelerated Bone Loss and Fracture Risk
2 Impaired Fracture Healing
3 Injury to Joints and Intervertebral Structures
4 Renal Stone Formation
  Skip Discipline Links
Bone Loss Sensory-Motor Adaptation Advanced Environmental Monitoring & Control
Cardiovascular Alterations Nutrition Advanced Extravehicular Activity
Environmental Health Clinical Capabilities Advanced Food Technology
Immunology & Infection Behavioral Health & Performance and Space Human Factors (Cognitive) Advanced Life Support
Skeletal Muscle Alterations Radiation Space Human Factors Engineering
 
Bone Loss

Bones of the legs, pelvis and spine are subject to decreased stress in weightlessness, leading to the release of calcium, leaving the bone more brittle and weak. Risks include: acceleration of age-related osteoporosis; fracture and impaired fracture healing; injury to soft connective tissue and joint cartilage, and intervertebral disc rupture; and renal stone formation. It is unknown whether these changes continue unabated, nor whether they can be totally reversed. Countermeasure research and technology efforts focus on diagnostic tools to monitor and measure critical parameters, including the cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone loss. Prevention and rehabilitation involves pharmacological, exercise and nutritional regimens, artificial gravity options, and crew screening and selection criteria to identify "at risk" individuals.
NASA
Page Last Updated:  February 12, 2008
Page Editor:  Stuart S. Engelhardt Content Manager:  John B. Charles NASA Official:  John B. Charles Budgets, Strategic Plans, and Accountability Reports Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted Pursuant to the No Fear Act Information-Dissemination Policies and Inventories Freedom of Information Act President's Management Agenda Privacy Policy & Important Notices Inspector General Hotline Contact SLSD Space Life Sciences Directorate Johnson Space Center USA.gov ExpectMore.gov