The Effects of Hypogravic and Hypodynamic Environments on the Skeletal System and Acceleration Tolerance
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of disuse atrophy of bone on spinal impact tolerance for the rhesus monkey. This study clearly demonstrates that disuse and inactivity has profound structural and functional effects on the weight bearing spine, in terms of decreased spinal impact tolerance. The presently used biodynamic injury criteria for impact is based on laboratory experiments and field data, with adult human and animal subjects whose skeletal systems are assumed to be normal and healthy. Disuse atrophy decreases the overall mechanical strength of the skeletal system to such a degree that injury levels for acceleration exposure are significantly altered, for the immobilized rhesus monkey. There are indications that a similar analogy may hold true for man in space for extended periods of time. If this is true, new acceleration stress indices predictive of physiological conditions for the astronaut may become necessary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0740453
Entities
People
- H. E. Von Gierke
- L. E. Kazarian
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory