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Physical demands and injuries to the upper extremity associated with the space program
Steven F Viegas1, David Williams, Jeffrey Jones
1Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, Galveston, TX, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|May 14, 2004
Summary
Astronauts frequently experience hand and upper-extremity injuries due to demanding training and space environments. These overuse injuries are expected to increase with future space exploration missions.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Hand and upper-extremity overuse injuries are prevalent in astronauts.
- Factors contributing to these injuries include astronaut training, zero-gravity, extreme temperatures, physiological changes, and space suit constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ongoing issue of hand and upper-extremity overuse injuries in astronauts.
- To identify the multifactorial causes impacting astronaut upper-extremity function.
- To underscore the anticipated increase in these injuries with future space exploration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of astronaut health and mission requirements.
- Analysis of environmental and physiological stressors.
- Examination of space suit and glove design implications.
Main Results:
- Repetitive strain and overuse injuries significantly affect astronaut hand and upper-extremity function.
- Multiple factors within the space program contribute to these injuries.
- Increased demands from future missions will likely exacerbate the problem.
Conclusions:
- Addressing hand and upper-extremity overuse injuries is critical for astronaut health and mission success.
- Mitigation strategies are needed to manage risks associated with prolonged space missions.
- Further research into protective measures and ergonomic designs is essential.