MessageToEagle.com - Why do astronauts get taller in space? Researchers are hoping this study will soon help answer that question.
It is a commonly known fact that astronauts living aboard the International
Space Station grow up to 3 percent taller while living in microgravity. They return to their normal height when back on Earth.
Studying the impact of this change on the spine and advancing medical imaging technologies are the goals of the Spinal
Ultrasound investigation.
"This is the very first time that spinal ultrasound will be used to evaluate the changes in the spine," said Scott
A. Dulchavsky, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator for the station study. "Spinal ultrasound is more challenging to
perform than many of the previous ultrasound examinations done in space."
Part of the difficulty with imaging the spine is quite simply human anatomy. Using Ultrasound 2, the machine aboard station
as a facility for human health studies, astronauts have an advanced tool to view the inner workings of their bodies.
"Today there is a new ultrasound device on the station that allows more precise musculoskeletal imaging required for assessment
of the complex anatomy and the spine," Dulchavsky said.
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"The crew will be able to perform these complex evaluations in the
next year due to a newly developed Just-In-Time training guide for spinal ultrasound, combined with refinements in crew training
and remote guidance procedures."
There are benefits of the research, which could help with developing exercises for better crew health and guiding improved
rehabilitation techniques when astronauts return to Earth.
Studying the impact of how astronauts' spines elongate during flight, as well as advancing
medical imaging technologies are the goals of the Spinal Ultrasound investigation aboard the
International Space Station. (Istockphoto/S.Kaulitzki)
It will also help to prepare crews for future long-duration missions.
"Ultrasound also allows us to evaluate physiology in motion, such as the movement of muscles, blood in vessels, and function
in other systems in the body," said Dulchavsky. "Physiologic parameters derived from ultrasound and Doppler give instantaneous
observations about the body non-invasively without radiation."
Click on image to enlarge
The opening 'Splash screen' from the Spinal Ultrasound Just-In-Time training tool that launched in the fall of 2012 to aid crew
training in ultrasound of the cervical and lumbar spine. The learner can select the buttons to launch the intensity of training required,
from a simple familiarization to complete overview. (Dulchavsky)
An astronaut will scan the spinal area of a fellow crew member at 30, 90, and 150
days into flight. Researchers will watch in real time from the ground via streaming video downlinks. Ultrasound images will
focus on the cervical and lumbar areas of the spine and surrounding tissues.
The test subjects will also undergo pre- and
post-flight ultrasound and MRI scans on Earth to provide baseline data.
Click on image to enlarge
The body navigator portion of the Just-In-Time tool reveals the internal anatomy structure as the user
moves the mouse over an area of the body image. By allowing the user to see below the skin surface, they can
identify the region of interest and correctly orient the ultrasound imaging transducer. (Dulchavsky)
Ultrasound technology is convenient for use not only in space, but also here on Earth. Due to the portability of the machines,
the rapid training methods developed by NASA researchers and the repeatability, ultrasound can offer an inexpensive and
scalable alternative to MRIs for healthcare needs. Medical personnel already make use of the training methods developed for
the space station crews when using ultrasound in remote areas.
"This technique in spinal ultrasound may someday serve as a clinical data source where standard MRI imaging is not
available, even if this seems ambitious," Dulchavsky said.
"The vast majority of the global population has no access to an MRI. The in-flight tools such as the interactive Spinal
Ultrasound guide can also be used to train other complex procedures, albeit medical or otherwise."
MessageToEagle.com - Why do astronauts get taller in space? Researchers are hoping this study will soon help answer that question.
