Network Physiology provides a unifying framework for understanding how molecular, cellular, and organ-level systems integrate as a network to generate distinct physiological states and sustain human function. Spaceflight offers a unique environment-characterized by microgravity, radiation, isolation, and circadian disruption-that perturbs interconnected physiological systems and networks....
No actionable change for audiology practice — this is a speculative framework review focused on spaceflight physiology with no direct audiology clinical application at this stage.
Network Physiology frameworks developed through spaceflight research could eventually inform understanding of multi-system sensory disorders, including vestibular and auditory dysfunction.
- 01Network Physiology proposes studying how body systems (heart, brain, lungs, etc.) interact as an integrated network.
- 02Spaceflight provides a unique extreme environment to study these interactions under stress.
- 03Translational benefits for Earth-based medicine are speculative but broad in scope.
- 04Vestibular and auditory systems could be relevant sub-networks in such frameworks.
- 05This is a perspective/review article, not an interventional or observational study.
Network Physiology can serve as a framework for studying integrated physiological systems during spaceflight.
opinionpartially supportedInsights from spaceflight physiology research will benefit Earth-based medicine.
opinionunclear- PMID
- 42109464
- DOI
- 10.3389/fnetp.2026.1817815.
- Journal
- Frontiers in Network Physiology
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Not applicable — theoretical/perspective review on spaceflight physiology
- Intervention
- Network Physiology framework applied to spaceflight physiological monitoring
Primary outcomes
Conceptual framework development for integrated physiological network monitoring during spaceflight; Identification of translational benefits for Earth-based medicine