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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
05:54
Mimicking a Space Mission to Mars Using Hindlimb Unloading and Partial Weight Bearing in Rats
Published on: April 4, 2019
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Lunar and mars gravity induce similar changes in spinal motor control as microgravity.
Jaap Swanenburg1,2,3, Christopher A Easthope4,5, Anita Meinke1
1Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research ISR, Balgrist University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Physiology
|August 11, 2023
Summary
Astronauts experience increased spinal stiffness in microgravity, lunar, and Martian conditions, potentially risking back pain. Countermeasures are needed to mitigate these spinal motor control changes during space exploration.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Human spaceflight necessitates understanding physiological adaptations to altered gravity.
- Previous research indicates changes in spinal motor control during microgravity.
- The effects of partial gravity (lunar, Martian) on spinal motor control remain unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spinal motor control strategies under simulated lunar, Martian, and microgravity conditions.
- To compare these strategies with those observed in hypergravity and Earth gravity.
Main Methods:
- Spinal stiffness, muscle activity (electromyography), and lumbar curvature were measured.
- Measurements were taken during simulated Earth, lunar, Martian, microgravity, and two hypergravity conditions.
- Six males and six females participated in the study.
Main Results:
- Spinal stiffness significantly increased in micro-, lunar, and Martian gravity conditions.
- Transversus abdominis muscle activity decreased, while psoas and multifidus activity changed.
- Spinal stiffness decreased under hypergravity conditions.
Conclusions:
- Lunar and Martian gravity levels do not appear sufficient to maintain normal spinal motor stabilization.
- These conditions may increase the risk of low back pain and intervertebral disc issues for astronauts.
- Development of countermeasures is crucial for long-duration space missions.
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