Man in Bed for Three Months for Bone Loss Study

Aug. 26, 2005 — -- Steve Snitsky, 31, has volunteered to spend three months lying in a hospital bed at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, all in the name of science. His only "break" comes when he is suspended 4 feet off the ground in a harness for 20 minutes, five days a week.

The clinic is conducting an experiment with NASA to find out why astronauts in space -- and millions of post-menopausal women on earth -- lose so much bone density. Eight million American women suffer from osteoporosis, the debilitating bone disease that causes fractures, most commonly in the hip, spine and wrist.

Astronauts experience as much bone loss in space in a month as these women do in a year. Prolonged bedrest mimics the effects of zero gravity, which is why Snitsky is spending three months in bed.

Most researchers think it's the lack of load on weight-bearing bones in space that causes the bone loss, said Peter Cavanagh, head of the Center for Space Medicine at the clinic. This study will test the hyopthesis that certain exercises can prevent this bone loss. In addition to Snitsky and a second bedrest volunteer, there is another group doing specific exercises.

The study has "tremendous relevance" because many osteoporosis suffers would rather treat the disease through exercise than with drugs, Cavanagh said.

"So if we know the exact dose of exercise which prevents bone loss, women could do these particular exercises to ward off osteoporosis," he said.

Mimicking Weightlessness

Cavanagh explained how even though Snitsky still feels the pressure of gravity, his bedrest and daily suspension can mimic weightlessness.

"His feet are always elevated six degrees above his head, which is what astronauts experience," said Cavanagh. "That's why fluids collect in their heads."

"By being off his feet, his legs don't bear the weight on his body, which is what puts so much pressure on the bones and muscles," he added.

Snitsky said the urge to put his feet on the floor "kind of passed about a week ago."

"The first week it was hard, now it's just second nature," said Snitsky, who still has 67 days to go. A signed photo of astronaut John Glenn helps serve as an inspiration.

The suspensions have been a treat for him.

"I love being suspended," Snitsky said. "It's like floating in water without the waves."

When Snitsky is in the harness, he wears a helmet in case something falls on him, Cavanagh said.

"He's not going to fall out, he's very secure," he said.

Studying During the Study

Snitsky, who works at H&R Block during the tax season, decided to participate in this study because he was looking for something to do during his time off. He spends most of his days reading and watching DVDs. But he does have a goal: to study Microsoft Office and take an online course from H&R Block.

"We encourage people to have a goal," Cavanagh said, "and not to see these 12 weeks as a void, but as an opportunity."

The study is still looking for more volunteers to stay in bed, hoping to bring the number to 12.

"We have have interviewed 350, but only two have gone to the final stage," Cavanagh said. "We're looking for a few good people."