NASA Study Identified Astronaut Fingernail Injuries

Researchers analyzed 31 fingernail injuries documented among astronauts between 1981 and 2010.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Space

Isometric editorial illustration of a white space suit glove component, rendered with matte finish and clear geometric lines. — A retrospective NASA study identified 31 cases of fingernail injuries among astronauts between 1981 and 2010, largely attributed to prolonged compression in pressurized training gloves. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A retrospective study of medical records identified 31 cases of fingernail injuries among 179 astronauts during the 1981 to 2010 period. While four injuries occurred while in orbit, the vast majority were sustained during underwater training in Houston.

Why it matters

The study suggests that sustained compression inside pressurized gloves reduces fingertip blood flow by 40 to 50 percent, creating conditions that weaken nail integrity. Prolonged training sessions and poor glove-fit matching were identified as significant contributors to these injuries.

The study analyzed 11,704 underwater training runs, finding that the Phase VI glove model carried 8.5 times higher injury odds than the 4000 Series. Additionally, every tenth-inch of glove-fit mismatch increased injury probability by 23 percent.

The players

NASA

The United States government agency responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

The details

Astronauts often spend up to six hours wearing pressurized gloves that compress fingers against the glove ends, choking off blood supply while sweat creates a damp environment. NASA updated its injury documentation standards between 2002 and 2004, which led to a higher volume of reported cases in that timeframe.

1981-2010: The period covered by the NASA medical records study.
2002-2004: NASA improved injury reporting standards to increase record accuracy.

The Big Picture

The study utilizes safety data from the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory to address biomechanical risks inherent in prolonged space suit wear. This research updates fundamental understanding of how pressurized equipment impacts human physiology during long-duration training missions.

The study highlights how better-fitting equipment can significantly mitigate physical injury during high-pressure work. These findings are being used to calibrate glove sizing protocols for future missions to ensure long-term comfort and safety for space crews.

The takeaway

Maintaining proper glove-fit is essential for long-duration tasks in pressurized environments. Small adjustments in equipment dimensions can have a profound impact on preventing repetitive strain and soft-tissue injury.