Changes in spine height throughout 32 hours of bedrest.

Abstract

To examine the changes in length of the spine during prolonged bedrest. The height of subjects was recorded over two control days and subsequently during the course of 32 hours of bedrest. Data were collected in a student dormitory. Eight male volunteers from an undergraduate student population. Subjects 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 the normal morning height. Bedrest does not allow normal expulsion of fluids from the disc leading to higher stresses associated with fully imbibed discs.