A better understanding of the spine’s elongation in microgravity could help physicians develop more effective rehabilitation techniques to aid astronauts in their return to Earth’s gravity following space station missions.Past studies have shown that when the spine is not exposed to the pull of Earth's gravity, the vertebra can expand and relax, allowing astronauts to actually grow taller. That small gain is short lived, however. Once the astronauts return to Earth, their height returns to normal after a few months. But still, scientists haven't been able to examine the astronaut's spinal columns when experiencing the effects of microgravity until now.
This month, astronauts will begin using the ultrasound device to scan each other's backs to see exactly what their spines look like after 30, 90 and 150 days in microgravity. Researchers will see the medical results in real time as the astronaut take turns scanning their spines of their crewmates. Astronauts typically visit the space station in six-month increments, allowing for long-term studies of how the human body changes over time in microgravity. "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," Dulchavsky said. "Physiological parameters derived from ultrasound and Doppler give instantaneous observations about the body non-invasively without radiation." Astronauts typically visit the space station in six-month increments, allowing for long-term studies of how the human body changes over time in microgravity. Author Ishtiaq Dipro Follow me on Twitter @Ishtiaq Dipro Follow Dhaka Space Agency in Twitter @Dhaka Space Agency Follow At Instagram ishtiaqdipro_spacegeek Follow Dhaka Space Agency at instagram For Contact [email protected]
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