Effects of Spaceflight on Structural and Material Strength of Growing Bone

Abstract

Rats in space for 18.5 days did not exhibit the normal gain in femoral bone strength of terrestrial controls. The strength deficit may have been caused by multiple factors including a diminished bone formation and an inhibition of the gain in tissue material strength. Centrifugation at 1g in space substantially enhanced bone strength, possibly by promoting more normal tissue maturation. Full recovery of bone strength was achieved 25 days after reentry.