Astronauts in space lose greater rate of bone strength than previously believed

Washington, Jan 27 (ANI): A study has found that astronauts spending months in space lose greater rate of bone strength than previously believed, making them increasingly at risk for fractures later in life.

The study, which was led by researchers at UC (University of California) Irvine and UC San Francisco, evaluated 13 astronauts who spent four to six months on the International Space Station and found that, on average, astronauts' hipbone strength decreased 14 percent.

Three astronauts experienced losses of 20 percent to 30 percent, rates comparable to those seen in older women with osteoporosis.

These results alarmed researchers because they revealed a greater rate of bone deterioration than previously measured using less powerful technologies.

"If preventive measures are not taken, some of our astronauts may be at increased risk for age-related fractures decades after their missions," said study leader Joyce Keyak, UCI orthopedic surgery and biomedical engineering professor.

Researchers have long studied why the microgravitational environment of space makes astronauts' bones more fragile.

While previous studies looked at bone mineral density, this study is the first to specifically evaluate bone strength.

Keyak and her colleagues used a novel computer program she developed over the past 20 years to identify hipbone fracture risk in people with osteoporosis.

The study team used this program to analyze structurally the hipbone CT scans of one female and 12 male International Space Center crewmembers.

According to Keyak, the decrease in bone strength measured between 0.6 percent and 5.0 percent for each month of service on the station, which was noticeably greater than monthly reductions in bone mineral density of 0.4 percent to 1.8 percent observed in previous studies on the same subjects.

Orthopedic researchers looking into the effects of long-duration spaceflight usually study the hipbone or spine.

The hip experiences the greatest rate of bone loss in space, and a hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery.

It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death.

Fractures of the vertebra also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity. (ANI)