Long-Term Microgravity Effects on Isometric Handgrip and Precision Pinch Force with Visual and Proprioceptive Feedback

Marco Vukich,Valfredo Zolesi,Michele Balsamo,Ilario Puglia

doi:10.1155/2018/1952630

Marco Vukich, Valfredo Zolesi + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1952630

Copy DOI

Abstract

The study and analysis of human physiology during short- and long-duration space flights are the most valuable approach in order to evaluate the effect of microgravity on the human body and to develop possible countermeasures in prevision of future exploratory missions and Mars expeditions. Hand performances such as force output and manipulation capacity are fundamental for astronauts’ intra- and extravehicular activities. Previous studies on upper limb conducted on astronauts during short-term missions (10 days) indicated a temporary partial reduction in the handgrip maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by a prompt recovery and adaptation to weightlessness during the last days of the mission. In the present study, we report on the “Crew’s Health: Investigation on Reduced Operability” (CHIRO) protocol, developed for handgrip and pinch force investigations, performed during the six months increment 7 and increment 8 (2003-2004) onboard International Space Station (ISS). We found that handgrip and pinch force performance are reduced during long-term increments in space and are not followed by adaptation during the mission, as conversely reported during short-term increment experiments. The application of protocols developed in space will be eligible to astronauts during long-term space missions and to patients affected by muscle atrophy diseases or nervous system injury on Earth.

Highlights

The microgravity environment alters the musculoskeletal system during short- and long-duration missions, resulting in atrophy of bone and muscle tissues [1]
We report that handgrip dynamometer (HGD) and PFD performance degradation during long-term increments in space is not followed by adaptation, as reported during short-term increment experiments [8]
A similar trend is reported for increment 7 mission as shown in Figure 2(b) (HGD-maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) values decrease of 40.8 Newton/month)

Summary

Introduction

The microgravity environment alters the musculoskeletal system during short- and long-duration missions, resulting in atrophy of bone and muscle tissues [1]. It is essential for space mission success to apply effective countermeasures such as physical exercise and tailored diets [2] to mitigate such effects during short- and long-term missions. During EVAs, the upper limbs and specially the hands experience fatigue; this could pose a critical risk for the operations to be performed and for the overall mission success. Several technological advancements have been proposed to the astronauts’ spacesuit and in particular the pressurized suit glove in order to reduce hand fatigue [3, 4]. Understanding how the upper limb responds during prolonged time in microgravity is fundamental in order to advance knowledge for the establishment of preventive or rehabilitation protocols for space crews involved in long-lasting missions

Methods

Results

Conclusion