Spine Health Research Group

The Spine Health Research Group (SHRG), located within the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Zurich, is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge micro- and hypergravity research to improve spine health. The group's primary focus is investigating the mechanisms underlying back pain and the increased risk of intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation among astronauts during and following their long-term missions in space. The SHRG is composed of Dr. Jaap Swanenburg and Dr. Anita Meinke. Their expertise covers diverse areas of specialization, including spinal stabilization in micro- and hypergravity, lumbar and cervical back pain mechanisms, and prevention and rehabilitation for improving  motor control of the spine.

Watch a video explaining Jaaps work on parabolic flights and more here

Jaap Swanenburg, PhD
Head Spine Health Research Group

LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin..com/in/jaap-swanenburg)

Anita Meinke, PhD
Research Associate