CARMICHAEL, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2012) – Prior to advancing its human spaceflight sector, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) addressed the heightened risk of musculoskeletal injuries threatening astronauts, and discussed its concerns during a Spinal Deconditioning Injury Risk Summit.  Among experts invited to the Summit was the University of South Florida’s John Mayer, DC., PhD, a supporter of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), who believes chiropractic care represents advancement in prevention and protection protocols.

“Deconditioning — the breakdown of the spine’s musculoskeletal support system – is a very common and serious condition occurring in astronauts,” says Dr. Mayer, Lincoln College Endowed Chair in Biomechanical and Chiropractic Research and associate professor of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at USF Health.  “It is crucial that NASA continues to aggregate data and develop strategies to mitigate this problem.  More times than not,  this initial breakdown leads to other debilitating health concerns, such as disc herniation – an ailment space crews are five times more at risk for than average individuals.”

John Mayer, DC, PhD, is a member of NASA’s multidisciplinary panel that will recommend measures to counteract spinal deconditioning experienced by space crews.

During the Summit, a multidisciplinary panel of experts addressed various issues including identifying impacting factors — such as microgravity exposure, flight weight and landing forces — and defining potential protection and prevention options.  Going forward, NASA expects to develop and test new measures to counteract spinal deterioration in space crews, based on the panel’s recommendations.  

“Possible options to enhance safety measures for astronauts can include everything from developing new equipment to altering spaceflight exercise procedures to new healthcare practices,” says Dr. Mayer. “The use of an effective specialized musculoskeletal care, like chiropractic, may ultimately prove to be effective in reducing the incidence of injuries for individuals exposed to a variety of physical demands, such as astronauts.”

 Gerry Clum, D.C., a spokesperson for the F4CP, notes the inclusion of chiropractic in these discussions as a positive signal from NASA.  “With extensive experience in the chiropractic approach to addressing spinal conditions, Dr. Mayer will be an important asset to the NASA panel.” 

About Foundation for Chiropractic Progress  

A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress aims to inform and educate the general public about the many benefits associated with chiropractic care.   To learn more about the Foundation, please visit us on the web at www.yes2chiropractic.org.

Media contact:
Lauren Kennedy
201-641-1911 (14) or lkennedy@cpronline.com

Aiming to gain a better understanding of human neuromusculoskeletal functions and provide innovative, promising, and non-invasive diagnostic and rehabilitative treatment methods, the USF School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences recently opened its Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Research (CNMSR).

The Center, which is housed in the School’s groundbreaking Human Functional Performance Laboratory, gained approval in April to open and earned critical recurring funding from the Florida Legislature in the 2012 session.

Neuromusculoskeletal disorders arise from overused or injured muscles, tendons or ligaments. They affect the body’s nervous system, brain, spinal cord, nerves, as well as muscles, bones, cartilage, and joints. Examples of diseases include arthritis, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, lupus, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Neuromusculoskeletal diseases and conditions are the largest self-reported medical conditions affecting adults in the United States today, said William S. Quillen, PT, DPT, PhD, FACSM, associate dean in the Morsani College of Medicine, and professor and director of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences.

“And those numbers are projected to increase, becoming a very large burden in terms of mounting costs, increased disability, and loss of quality of life for not only the general population, but for military personnel and first responders, as well,” he said.

Dr. Jason Highsmith, Dr. William Quillen, and Dr. John Mayer

The CNMSR will be co-directed by spinal pain and disability expert John Mayer, DC, PhD, Lincoln Endowed Research Chair and associate professor, and prosthetics expert Jason Highsmith, PT, DPT, CP, assistant professor. The Center will be an interdisciplinary clinical research enterprise designed to develop and test novel prevention and treatment strategies for neuromusculoskeletal disorders, clarify the role of various therapeutic approaches in the successful and cost-effective management, and promulgate guidelines for best practices for prevention and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

“The Center will transform the care of neuromusculoskeletal disorders by creating a multidisciplinary and integrative platform for research and the development of evidence-based approaches for assessment, prevention, and treatment,” Dr. Quillen said.

“This Center will be a major contributor to the diverse scientific and clinical fields that manage these disorders. It will allow us to quantify the impairments and limitations of human functions and provide interventions, be they drug therapies or physical therapies, that improve the quality of life for so many.”

The Center currently has more than $2.5 million in funded research underway supported by the Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as corporate partners. In addition, the CNMSR recently gained $500,000 in recurring funding in the 2013 fiscal year state budget from the Florida Legislature.

Story by Sarah A. Worth, photo by Eric Younghans, USF Health Office of Communications