[Functional evaluation of the musculoskeletal system under an autonomous life support regimen based on data on blood...

The functional state of the musculo-skeletal system of healthy male volunteers of three age groups (Group 1--19-21 years, n = 16; Group 2--25-43 years, n = 26; Group 3--48-59 years, n = 30) was evaluated. The subjects were kept in an enclosure for 30 days. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), calcium, P1 were measured in blood. The test subjects of the three groups showed a decrease of CPK, LDH, AAT and creatinine. The correlation coefficient between the enzymes varied from 0.64 to 1.00. By the end of the study alkaline phosphatase increased in the Group 1 and 2 subjects and decreased in the Group 3 subjects. Calcium variations were less distinct. The Pi content declined significantly in the Group 3 subjects. Some of the Group 3 subjects who performed regular exercises during the study exhibited smaller decreases of CPK, LDH, AAT and greater stability of calcium and phosphorus.