Abstract des Autors

Objective: To examine the changes in length of the spine during prolonged bedrest. Design: The height of subjects was recorded over two control days and subsequently during the course of 32 hours of bedrest. Setting: Data were collected in a student dormitory. Participants: Eight male volunteers from an undergraduate student population. Results: Subjects lost approximately 10mm in spine height over the course of each of two control days. When they remained in bed after a usual night's rest, their spine height did not increase further. Even after 32 hours of continuous bedrest, the spine did not increase its length beyond the normal morning height. Conclusions: Bedrest does not allow normal expulsion of fluids from the disc leading to higher stresses associated with fully imbibed discs. Verf.-Referat