CHANGES IN SPINE HEIGHT THROUGHOUT 32 HOURS OF BEDREST

Objective: To examine the changes in length of the spine during prolon ged bedrest. Design: The height of subjects was recorded over two cont rol days and subsequently during the course of 32 hours of bedrest. Se tting: Data were collected in a student dormitory. Participants: Eight male volunteers from an undergraduate student population. Results: Su bjects lost approximately 10mm in spine height over the course of each of two control days. When they remained in bed after a usual night's rest, their spine height did not increase further. Even after 32 hours of continuous bedrest, the spine did not increase its length beyond t he normal morning height. Conclusions: Bedrest does not allow normal e xpulsion of fluids fi om the disc leading to higher stresses associate d with fully imbibed discs. (C) 1996 by the American Congress of Rehab ilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and R ehabilitation