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Potential of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation as a Bone Loss Countermeasure in Microgravity
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|October 30, 2022
Summary
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can create bone strain in the proximal femur, similar to low-impact activities. This technique may enhance current spaceflight countermeasures against bone loss during long-duration missions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Space Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Minimizing bone loss during long-duration spaceflight is critical.
- Exercise alone may be insufficient to counteract skeletal unloading.
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) offers a potential method to load bone via muscle contraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of NMES in generating bone strain in the proximal femur during simulated disuse.
- To compare NMES-induced femoral neck strain to strains from other physical activities.
Main Methods:
- Isometric NMES contractions of thigh muscles (rectus femoris, hamstrings) were applied to 10 subjects.
- Biomechanical models estimated hip joint reaction forces.
- Finite element analysis modeled peak principal strains in the proximal femoral neck.
Main Results:
- NMES induced peak tensile/compressive strains comparable to walking or stair climbing.
- Strain magnitudes varied between male and female subjects.
- Some individuals experienced strain levels matching higher-intensity activities.
Conclusions:
- Isometric NMES of thigh muscles can generate significant strain in the proximal femoral neck.
- NMES may augment existing spaceflight countermeasures by providing more frequent skeletal loading.
- NMES alone may not be sufficient but can improve bone loading strategies.
