Astronauts can experience musculoskeletal pain during or after flight, perhaps because the integrity and function of the musculoskeletal system requires the loading provided by gravity. Pain in Space [Microgravity Pain Sensation (Ax-1)] assesses how short-term exposure to microgravity affects pain sensation, biomechanics, bone physiology, and the musculoskeletal system during the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM). Results could contribute to improved health and well-being for crews on future missions
Results: Sauer AK, Vigouroux M, Dougherty PM, Cata JP, Ingelmo P. Pain experience and sensory changes in astronauts during and after short-lasting commercial spaceflight: A proof-of-concept study. Journal of Pain Research. 2023 December 11; 164253-4266. DOI: PMID: 38107368.