Countermeasures against space flight related bone loss

Abstract

A general review is presented of data on bone loss with references to countermeasures for use during spaceflight and bedrest. The two primary countermeasures against skeletal atrophy are skeletal loading such as centrifugation and exercise and/or the administration of drugs designed to alter the rate of bone remodeling. Bone loss is argued to be unavoidable in long-duration spaceflight in spite of countermeasures utilized, but a combination of exercise, biochemical treatments, and post-flight therapy is considered the optimal solution.