Cervical spine in space

The research project "Cervical spine and muscle adaptation after spaceflight and relationship to herniation risk" involves ten research groups spread across Germany, Sweden, United Kindgom, Finland and the United States of America.

The aim of this project is to understand why astronauts are at an approximately 20 times higher risk of neck disc herniation than people on Earth. In addition to informing preventative measures for astronauts, the findings of this project will inform our understanding of intervertebral disc herniation in people on Earth and inform on potential approaches for prevention and management.

Astronauts will be tested from six months before and up to six months after spaceflight. In the project, measurements will be made via magnetic resonance imaging (e.g. composition and morphology of the intervertebral disc and musculature), muscle function via 2D eletromyogaphy, motion patterns via 3D kinematics, muscle oxygen saturation via NIRS, strength and endurance.

The initial funding for the project is until 2027 for the collection of data from the first 10 astronauts. The project plans overall to measure 14 astronauts.

Collaborative team

Prof. Dr. Daniel Belavy is primary investigator and leader of the collaborative team.

The following scientists are members of the consortium.

Dr. Gabriele Armbrecht (Center for Muscle and Bone Research, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Germany)
Prof. Dr. Kirsten Albracht (Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Germany)
Prof. Helena Brisby (Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden)
Prof. Dr. Deborah Falla (School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK)
Dr. Richard Scheuring (Flight Surgeon, Johnson Space Center, USA)
Roope Sovelius, M.D. (Flight Surgeon, Centre for Military Medicine, Satakunta Air Command, Finland)
Prof. Hans-Joachim Wilke (University of Ulm, Germany)
Kajsa Rennerfelt MD (Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden)

Funding

The participation of the HSG has been supported by a research grant from the German Aerospace Center (DLR, 2021-2024: funding number 50WB2131; 510373 EUR; 2024-2027: 50WB2424A; 528341 €)

Publications

Belavy DL, Armbrecht G, Albracht K, Brisby H, Falla D, Scheuring R, Sovelius R, Wilke H-J, Rennerfelt K, Martinez-Valdes E, Arvanitidis M, Goell F, Braunstein B, Kaczorowski S, Karner V, Arora NK (2022): Cervical spine and muscle adaptation after spaceflight and relationship to herniation risk: protocol from 'Cervical in Space' trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 23(1):772 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05684-0