charlie

To solve the problem of osteopenia in space, we intend to design and build a device, which emits low intensity pulsed ultrasound waves. A prototype is currently being developed. After testing and proof of concept, our goal is to optimize the device, so that it will be small and portable, preferably integrated into clothing or self-adhesive. It will operate on battery power to maximize portability and ease of use. It will be hypoalergenic, intended for daily use.

This project is solving the Fit as a MOoSE: Metabolic Observations of Space Explorers challenge.
Description
For space missions longer than six months, osteopenia is an important health limit problem. Due to microgravitation, astronauts' bone cells lack mechanical stimuli required for bone formation.

We propose a treatment using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS). Several studies on bone cell cultures have been made, investigating the effects of the mechanical stimulation provided by daily LIPUS treatment, which have shown promising results. Advantages of this kind of treatment include: time efficiency - studies show the optimum duration is 10 minutes a day, energy efficiency and portability, it could be integrated into a piece of clothing and finally LIPUS treatment is non-invasive.

Our mission is to develop an inexpensive, energy efficient, lightweight, practical LIPUS device, mainly for use by astronauts, but it could also be applied to patients with osteoporosis on earth.

Project Information

License: Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0)

Source Code/Project URL: https://spaceappscharlie.wordpress.com/

Resources

Skeletal health in long-duration astronauts: nature, assessment and management recommendations - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbmr.1948/epdf
Daily low-intensity pulsed ultrasound-mediated osteogenic differentiation in rat osteoblasts - http://abbs.oxfordjournals.org/content/41/2/108.long
The impact of physical activity on bone health - http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/viewFile/975/979
Low intensity pulsed ultrasound: Countermeasure for microgravity-induced bone loss Low intensity ult - http://gradworks.umi.com/35/54/3554804.html

Team