Postural modifications in microgravity

In this paper the first results of the experiments performed during the EUROMIR 95 mission and related to the description of the anthropometric modifications induced by a prolonged period of micro gravity, are presented. The experiments were carried out on board of the MIR space station using the ELITE-S system in a configuration with 4 tv-cameras (sampling rate: 50Hz) which performs a real time processing of images to recognise in the field of view the presence of small passive markers. The data show the spine extension due to the prolonged microgravity. This increment is confirmed by statistic analysis (t-test, P<0.002). A flattening both of the lumbar lordosis and in the thoracic kyphosis in response to the microgravity conditions exposure is showed too. In particular this second effect is more relevant. A ligaments and tendons relaxation in the knee joint is also present, even if it has to be confirmed and quantitatively assessed by further experiments.