Use of DXA-based software to identify astronauts at risk for persisting spaceflight-induced bone loss
Authors' conclusion
3D-Shaper software predicts QCT-detected trabecular bone loss better than DXA and has the potential to serve as a screening tool for QCT-detection of trabecular bone loss.
Study context
- Population
- ISS astronauts (19 M/4F) with pre- and postflight QCT and DXA of the hip after 6-month missions
- Participants
- 23 participants
- Comparison
- 3D-Shaper vs DXA vs QCT for hip bone loss
- Outcome
- Ability of DXA (total hip aBMD) and 3D-Shaper (Trab vBMD) to predict persisting trabecular bone deficits by QCT (regression R2)
- Follow-up
- 1-year post-flight
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
R2 for prediction of QCT Trab vBMD change
3D-Shaper
0.40
R2
DXA
0.14
R2
Further findings
| Outcome | DXA | QCT | 3D-Shaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total hip bone change from pre-flight · immediately post-flight | mean 3.9 (SD 2.4) % reduction | mean 9.0 (SD 7.2) % reduction | mean 6.8 (SD 4.5) % reduction |
- Total hip bone change from pre-flight — Greater loss demonstrated by QCT and Shaper than DXA aBMD
- p < 0.001
Original publication
Use of DXA-based software to identify astronauts at risk for persisting spaceflight-induced bone loss. Osteoporos Int. Published 19 May 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →