Article

Similarities between the clinical presentation of individuals
living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and astronauts are remarkable, and may be of
great interest to clinicians and scientists alike. The primary
purpose of this review is to outline the manner in which cardiovascular,
musculoskeletal, renal, immune and sensory motor systems are affected by
microgravity and SCI. A comprehensive review of the literature was
conducted (using PubMed) to evaluate the hallmark symptoms seen after spaceflight
and SCI. This literature was then examined critically to determine symptoms
common to both populations. RESULTS: Both SCI and prolonged microgravity exposure
are associated with marked deteriorations in various physiological functions.
Atrophy in muscle and bone, cardiovascular disturbances, and alterations in
renal, immune and sensory motor systems are conditions commonly observed not only
in individuals with SCI, but also in those who experience prolonged gravity
unloading. CONCLUSION: The preponderance of data indicates that similar
physiological changes occur in both SCI and prolonged space flight. These
findings have important implications for future research in SCI and prolonged
space flight.

Langue : ANGLAIS