Intermittent short-arm centrifugation is a partially effective countermeasure against upright balance deterioration following 60-day head-down tilt bed rest
Enrico De Martino, Sauro E. Salomoni, Paul W. Hodges, Julie A. Hides, Kirsty Lindsay, Dorothée Debuse, Andrew Winnard, James M. Elliott, Mark A. Hoggarth, David Beard, Jonathan Cook, Robert Ekman, Luis Hinterwaldner, Jonathan Scott, Tobias Weber, Nick Caplan
Abstract
This study presents novel insights into the effect of artificial gravity (AG) on the deterioration of standing balance and anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) of trunk muscles induced by 60-day strict head-down bed rest. The results indicated severe balance dysfunction and delayed APAs during rapid arm movement. AG partially mitigated the deterioration in standing balance and may thus be considered as a potential countermeasure for future planetary surface explorations. Optimization of AG protocols might enhance effects.