Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction As spaceflight missions become more frequent and prolonged, the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal system represent a critical concern for astronauts’ health given their increased risk of spinal pain and injury. A better understanding of the adaptations induced by microgravi...
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BMJ Publishing Group
2025-06-01
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| Series: | BMJ Open |
| Online Access: | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/6/e098172.full |
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| author | Deborah Falla Valter Devecchi Michail Arvanitidis |
| author_facet | Deborah Falla Valter Devecchi Michail Arvanitidis |
| author_sort | Deborah Falla |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction As spaceflight missions become more frequent and prolonged, the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal system represent a critical concern for astronauts’ health given their increased risk of spinal pain and injury. A better understanding of the adaptations induced by microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine is essential to guide the development of effective countermeasures. Thus, this systematic review will aim to investigate the effects of microgravity on the neuromuscular control of the spine.Methods and analysis This protocol has been developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, grey literature and specialised space research resources will be searched from inception up to December 31, 2024. Screening processes, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies investigating the acute and long-term effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine will be included. Studies investigating spaceflight conditions or other protocols simulating microgravity, such as parabolic flights, dry immersion and long-term bed rest, will be considered eligible. Non-randomised studies of intervention with before-and-after design will represent the main studies of interest, and their risk of bias will be evaluated with the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions tool. Random-effect meta-analyses will be conducted for quantitative synthesis when clinical and methodological consistency is ensured. The certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.Ethics and dissemination As this systematic review is based on previously published studies, no ethical approval is required. The findings will be disseminated through publication in an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. All data relevant to the study will be included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.PROSPERO registration number CRD42024608544. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-02f8d1d8ebe94fef8584bb163affc119 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2044-6055 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMJ Publishing Group |
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| series | BMJ Open |
| spelling | doaj-art-02f8d1d8ebe94fef8584bb163affc1192025-08-20T03:30:33ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Open2044-60552025-06-0115610.1136/bmjopen-2024-098172Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysisDeborah Falla0Valter Devecchi1Michail Arvanitidis2Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UKCentre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UKCentre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UKIntroduction As spaceflight missions become more frequent and prolonged, the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal system represent a critical concern for astronauts’ health given their increased risk of spinal pain and injury. A better understanding of the adaptations induced by microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine is essential to guide the development of effective countermeasures. Thus, this systematic review will aim to investigate the effects of microgravity on the neuromuscular control of the spine.Methods and analysis This protocol has been developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, grey literature and specialised space research resources will be searched from inception up to December 31, 2024. Screening processes, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies investigating the acute and long-term effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine will be included. Studies investigating spaceflight conditions or other protocols simulating microgravity, such as parabolic flights, dry immersion and long-term bed rest, will be considered eligible. Non-randomised studies of intervention with before-and-after design will represent the main studies of interest, and their risk of bias will be evaluated with the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions tool. Random-effect meta-analyses will be conducted for quantitative synthesis when clinical and methodological consistency is ensured. The certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.Ethics and dissemination As this systematic review is based on previously published studies, no ethical approval is required. The findings will be disseminated through publication in an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. All data relevant to the study will be included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.PROSPERO registration number CRD42024608544.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/6/e098172.full |
| spellingShingle | Deborah Falla Valter Devecchi Michail Arvanitidis Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis BMJ Open |
| title | Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_full | Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_fullStr | Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_short | Effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_sort | effects of microgravity on neuromuscular control of the spine a protocol for a systematic review and meta analysis |
| url | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/6/e098172.full |
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