After several months among the stars, the back muscles of astronauts decrease and weaken.

About the insidious side effect of space travel report on the pages of the magazine Spine Californian scientists.

As shown by the study of NASA and the University of California in San Diego, the back muscles do not return to their original norm even a few weeks after the astronauts returned to Earth's firmament.

Meanwhile, negative changes in muscles can lead to discogenic problems in the future, although surveys of the same American astronauts have not yet revealed a decrease in the height of intervertebral discs. Till.

Scientists have included in their small study six NASA astronauts who spent at the International Space Station from 4 to 7 months. According to experts, the tests conducted provide fresh, extremely useful information on the development of intervertebral disk diseases during long space travel.

"The obtained data should be taken into account when planning future space missions. It is necessary to scientifically rethink the impact of microgravity on the state of intervertebral discs, "said Dr. Douglas Cheng, a professor of orthopedic surgery and head of the rehabilitation program at UC San Diego Health.

Further research should clarify how much weakening of the back muscles contributes to the formation of "herniated" intervertebral discs.

If the risk does exist, it may affect the selection criteria for candidates for space travel and the training program, and will require other measures.

"Information like this is vital for preparing a mission to develop Mars," say scientists.

According to Dr. Cheng, future astronauts, space tourists and colonists should be helped by complexes of exercises to strengthen the muscles of the bark, recommended to our "terrestrial" patients with osteochondrosis.

Yoga can also reduce stiffness in the back and increase the amplitude of movements.

medbe. en.

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