title: Physical demands and injuries to the upper extremity associated with the space program.
abstract: Hand and upper-extremity overuse and repetitive injuries in astronauts have been and continue to be a common problem in the space program. The demands on upper-extremity use in the astronaut training program, the zero-gravity environment, the extreme temperature conditions of space, the effects of space travel on human physiology/anatomy, and the constraints and pressures of space suits and gloves all can negatively impact upper-extremity function in ways that can result in overuse/repetitive injuries. Future plans for space exploration include endeavors that will continue and even increase the demands on the hand and upper extremity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, Galveston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Steven F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Viegas
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Strauss
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D018480:Astronauts; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D019442:Space Suits; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology*