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Canadian Space Agency

Press Release
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CANADA TAKES PART IN INTERNATIONAL STUDY ON CONSEQUENCES OF PROLONGED
BED REST

Saint-Hubert (June 6, 2003) -- The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and
the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) have
created opportunities for Canadian researchers to take part in a
study that will hopefully shed light on the physiological changes
occurring during long-term bed rest. These changes, such as the loss
of bone and muscle mass, are similar to those seen in astronauts
during space flights, in patients affected by certain diseases and in
aging people. 

"We often use the space environment to study aspects of life on
Earth.  But in this case, we are using an Earth model to better
understand the bone and muscle loss as well as the cardiovascular
de-conditioning experienced by astronauts in space for long periods",
said Dr. Nicole Buckley, program scientist for Life Sciences at the
Canadian Space Agency.  "Understanding and reversing these processes
will be critical to any long duration space travel such as a mission
to Mars". 

The International Long-Term Bed Rest Study organized by the European
Space Agency (ESA) and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES),
in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), will specifically test the efficacy of
exercise and drug therapy in mitigating the loss of bone and muscle
mass while conserving muscle strength and aerobic capacity.
Approximately 25 female volunteers will participate in the 60-90 day
long-term head down bed rest study. 

"Chronic pain, loss of mobility and function, loss of independence
and ultimately a diminished quality of life are common outcomes of a
host of musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions," said
IMHA's Scientific Director, Dr. Cy Frank. "The Bed Rest Study
promises to provide information that may contribute to more effective
treatment of a broad array of conditions of bones, joints and muscles
such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis."

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert,
Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the
Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and
Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services
involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence
in Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space
Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian
Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application
of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

About the The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis

The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis is a virtual
Institute building research linkages and relevant research capacity
across Canada. IMHA supports research in three priority areas:
Physical Activity, Mobility and Health; Tissue Injury, Repair and
Replacement; and Pain, Disability and Chronic Disease. IMHA is one of
thirteen Institutes spearheaded by the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research (CIHR). 

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For Further Information on the Long-Term Bed Rest Study please
contact:

Doris Ward, Senior Communications Officer
Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis
(403) 210-9899
E-mail: doward{at}ucalgary.ca

Monique Billette
Senior Media Relations Officer
Canadian Space Agency
(450) 926-4370
E-mail: monique.billette{at}space.gc.ca

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