Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2021

Pages

1-10

Abstract

Astronauts in a long term, low-gravity environments experience bone density loss at 10 times the rate of those diagnosed with osteoporosis. One treatment effective at maintaining bone density in osteoporotic individuals is electromagnetic field (EMF) therapy. Tools that induce EMFs are becoming increasingly prevalent, but to amplify osteogenesis and encourage superior bone density retention for astronauts, ideal EMF therapy parameters must be determined on patient-specific bases. Therefore, this study explores simulation environments that elucidate highly favorable EMF factors. Pulsed electromagnetic field and combined magnetic field generating devices are variably introduced near partient-specific, finite element (FE) models of the femur, spine, and mandible. The FEs of each model are characterized with tissue ocnductivity values. Magnetic field strength obtained along key anatomical regions of the FE models are compared against in vivo experimental data to predict features that reflect greater therapeutic impacts. The presented method establishes an adaptable framework for further simulations, which may be modified to test new or existing devices on future patient-specific cases. Using a simulation framework that ratifies parameters for EMF-based bone density retention provides essential insights into combating osteoporosis and negating the similar effect imposed on astronauts enduring prolonged space travel.

Rights

© 2021 The Authors.

Original Publication Citation

Tapp, A., Francis, M. P., & Audette, M. A. (2021). Modeling and simulation of electromagnetic fields to maintain bone density during prolonged low gravity exposure. The Virginia Space Grant Consortium. https://vsgc.odu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Tapp.pdf

ORCID

0000-0003-0011-1731 (Audette)

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