Investigator: Douglas F. Schwandt, MS Project Staff: Alan R. Hargens, PhD; Don Watenpaugh, PhD; James H. Anderson, JEM; and Stan T.J. Mikulowski Project Category: Other - 2000 Alternative prototypes of an MRI Compatible Spinal Compression Harness were developed through a VA/NASA Interagency Agreement. First developed at NASA-Ames Research Center as a means of compressing the spine to ameliorate pain due to spinal lengthening during exposure to microgravity, the concept soon found potential application in the diagnoses of back pain on Earth. The MRI Spinal Compression Harness is essentially comprised of a shoulder harness and a footplate with straps that allow compression from the shoulders to the feet while a subject lies supine during an MRI diagnostic session, thereby providing a mechanism for imaging the loaded spine of a horizontal patient. Following the discovery of the competing Swedish DynaMed harness, and the subsequent signing of a Space Act Agreement between DynaMed and NASA, the scope of the project was reduced and redirected toward collaboration with DynaMed. Several features and improvements made on the design may be incorporated into the DynaBack commercial product. Funding Source: NASA |
