Retention of bone density and postural status with a non-invasive extremely low level mechanical signal: A ground based evaluation of efficacy

In space, rapid losses in bone mineral density (BMD) leave astronauts at an increased risk of bone fracture. Longer microgravity missions combined with the lack of efficacy of current exercise regimes in reducing this loss leads to the need of a new treatment. This study has the goal of testing a treatment in the form of a low magnitude mechanical vibration. As an analog of space flight, 18 subjects spent 90 days in continuous 6 degree head down tilt, eight of which received 10 minutes of vibration treatment a day. Measurements of bone density and balance found that there was a 30-50% nonsignificant reduction in BMD loss in the hip, as well as a significant decrease in the loss of postural control. The combined factors of stronger bones and increased balance greatly reduce the risk of bone fracture. With a proposed multi-year planetary mission to Mars being planned by NASA, the need for improved musculoskeletal health is of increasing importance, and this device may provide the needed mode of increasing astronaut safety.