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Feasibility of monitoring muscle health in microgravity environments using Myoton technology

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Abstract

Physical exercise is important for people living under extreme environmental conditions to stay healthy. Particularly in space, exercise can partially counteract the loss of muscle mass and muscle strength caused by microgravity. Monitoring the adaptation of the musculoskeletal system to assess muscle quality and devise individual training programmes is highly desirable but is restricted by practical, technical and time constraints on board the International Space Station. This study aimed to test the feasibility of using myometric measurements to monitor the mechanical properties of skeletal muscles and tendons in weightlessness during parabolic flights. The mechanical properties (frequency, decrement, stiffness relaxation time and creep) of the m. gastrocnemius, m. erector spinae and Achilles tendon were assessed using the hand-held MyotonPRO device in 11 healthy participants (aged 47 ± 9 years) in normal gravity as well as in microgravity during two parabolic flight campaigns. Results showed significant (p < .05–.001) changes in all mechanical properties of both muscles and the Achilles tendon, indicating a more relaxed tissue state in microgravity. Recordings from a phantom rubber material with the device in a test rig confirmed that the device itself was not affected by gravity, as changes between gravity conditions that were too small (<1 %) to explain the changes observed in the tissues. It is concluded that myometric measurements are a feasible, easy-to-use and non-invasive approach to monitor muscle health in extreme conditions that prohibit many other methods. Real-time assessment of the quality of a muscle being exposed to the negative effect of microgravity and also the positive effects of muscular training could be achieved using Myoton technology.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the programme “PLAN FOR EUROPEAN COOPERATING STATES” (PECS) signed between ESA and Estonia on 22 September 2010. We would like to thank the team at NOVESAPCE for their professional and friendly support during two parabolic flight campaigns. Vladimir Pletser from ESA is to be credited for his support during the preparation of the campaigns. We would also like to say thank you to all of our participants and operators during the 55th and 57th ESA parabolic flight campaign. Last and not least, we would like to thank BeOne (Hamburg), namely Folko Hülsebusch and Werner Tesch for their outstanding personal support. Merci.

Conflict of interest

One of the authors of this manuscript, namely Aleko Peipsi, is acting CEO of MYOTON AS, Estonia. There are no other conflict of interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany

    Stefan Schneider, Axel Knicker & Vera Abeln

  2. Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia

    Stefan Schneider

  3. Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia

    Aleko Peipsi

  4. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

    Maria Stokes

  5. Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Reading, UK

    Maria Stokes

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  1. Stefan Schneider
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  2. Aleko Peipsi
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  3. Maria Stokes
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  4. Axel Knicker
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  5. Vera Abeln
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Correspondence to Stefan Schneider.

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Schneider, S., Peipsi, A., Stokes, M. et al. Feasibility of monitoring muscle health in microgravity environments using Myoton technology. Med Biol Eng Comput 53, 57–66 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-014-1211-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-014-1211-5

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