Methodologic Opportunities for Space Health Research: Integrating Biological Anthropology Methods in Human Research for Precision Space Health and Medical Data.

Abstract

As the field of health and medicine in space develops alongside the spaceflight research paradigm, there are methodologic opportunities to integrate data collection for research with providing precision and personalized healthcare. Specifically, existing field methods in biological anthropology developed and practiced in austere settings can be translated to spaceflight research and the development of healthcare infrastructure with implications for space medical practice. In our era of expanding spaceflight, data-collection methodologies should be flexible, agile, and accessible, paralleling innovative strategies by biological anthropology field researchers assessing human health, behavior, and well-being in austere terrestrial settings. Here we offer an introduction to the methodologic approaches and theoretical frameworks from biological anthropology, including operational insights from investigators working in the field, highlighting flexible mixed methods, low-tech solutions, dialectic engagement with participants, and iterative research protocols. These tools, when performed together with standardized approaches, can be beneficial and augment the advancement of spaceflight health and medicine.