OBJECTIVES:
The goal of this research is to comprehensively characterize space flight induced changes in disc morphology, biochemistry, metabolism, and kinematics. These data will be correlated with measures of back pain intensity and disability. The hypothesis is that spontaneous space flight back pain and disc herniation are due to biomechanical and biological pathomechanisms. First, microgravity leads to higher than normal physiologic disc swelling and increased disc height that may stiffen the lumbar motion segment and cause abnormal segmental movement patterns. These biomechanical changes increase risk for annular rupture, vertebral endplate microfracture, and facet joint capsule strain. Second, increased disc swelling may alter nuclear matrix osmotic pressure and nutrient transport from endplate capillaries in adjacent vertebra. These biological changes adversely affect disc cell metabolism, causing pain and inducing disc matrix degradation.

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Crew health and performance is critical to successful human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. The Human Research Program (HRP) investigates and mitigates the highest risks to human health and performance, providing essential countermeasures and technologies for human space exploration. Risks include physiological and performance effects from hazards such as radiation, altered gravity, and hostile environments, as well as unique challenges in medical support, human factors, and behavioral health support. The HRP utilizes an Integrated Research Plan (IRP) to identify the approach and research activities planned to address these risks, which are assigned to specific Elements within the program. The Human Research Roadmap is the web-based tool for communicating the IRP content.

The Human Research Roadmap is located at: https://humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov/