This review of the peer-reviewed literature focuses on the effects of spaceflight …

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Weight is more important than gravity
• We don't know much about the effects of spaceflight on the human skeleton
• Laboratory animal studies have provided limited additional insight
• In vitro studies have not provided additional insight into the skeletal effects of spaceflight
• Summary
• Recommendations
• Acknowledgements
• References
• Tables

Biology Articles » Anatomy & Physiology » Physiology, Human » Physiology of a Microgravity Environment

Abstract

- Physiology of a Microgravity Environment

Physiology of a Microgravity Environment

Invited Review : What do we know about the effects of spaceflight on bone?

Russell T. Turner

Departments of Orthopedics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905

This review of the peer-reviewed literature focuses on the effects of spaceflight on bone. Studies performed in humans and laboratory animals have revealed abnormalities in bone and mineral metabolism that suggest that long-duration spaceflight will have detrimental effects on the skeleton. However, because of large gaps in our knowledge, it is not presently possible to estimate the magnitude of the health risk, individual variations in risk, effective countermeasures, or mechanism(s) of action. Specific recommendations are made for future research to ascertain risk and develop appropriate countermeasures.

gravity; osteoporosis; weightlessness; space travel; microgravity; mineral metabolism

Source: J Appl Physiol Vol. 89, Issue 2, 840-847, August 2000.