Hypogravity reduces trunk admittance and lumbar muscle activation in response to external perturbations

Abstract

This study presents for the first time novel insights into the adaptations to hypogravity of spinal curvatures, trunk stiffness, and paraspinal muscle activity. We showed that exposure to hypogravity reduces the displacement of the trunk by an applied perturbation, partially compensated by weaker stabilizing contributions of the paraspinal muscles and concomitant increase in abdominal muscle responses. These findings may have relevance for future recommendations for planetary surface explorations.