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Jörges B, Bury N, McManus M, Bansal A, Allison RS, Jenkin M, Harris LR. The impact of gravity on perceived object height. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:95. [PMID: 39367015 PMCID: PMC11452668 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Altering posture relative to the direction of gravity, or exposure to microgravity has been shown to affect many aspects of perception, including size perception. Our aims in this study were to investigate whether changes in posture and long-term exposure to microgravity bias the visual perception of object height and to test whether any such biases are accompanied by changes in precision. We also explored the possibility of sex/gender differences. Two cohorts of participants (12 astronauts and 20 controls, 50% women) varied the size of a virtual square in a simulated corridor until it was perceived to match a reference stick held in their hands. Astronauts performed the task before, twice during, and twice after an extended stay onboard the International Space Station. On Earth, they performed the task of sitting upright and lying supine. Earth-bound controls also completed the task five times with test sessions spaced similarly to the astronauts; to simulate the microgravity sessions on the ISS they lay supine. In contrast to earlier studies, we found no immediate effect of microgravity exposure on perceived object height. However, astronauts robustly underestimated the height of the square relative to the haptic reference and these estimates were significantly smaller 60 days or more after their return to Earth. No differences were found in the precision of the astronauts' judgments. Controls underestimated the height of the square when supine relative to sitting in their first test session (simulating Pre-Flight) but not in later sessions. While these results are largely inconsistent with previous results in the literature, a posture-dependent effect of simulated eye height might provide a unifying explanation. We were unable to make any firm statements related to sex/gender differences. We conclude that no countermeasures are required to mitigate the acute effects of microgravity exposure on object height perception. However, space travelers should be warned about late-emerging and potentially long-lasting changes in this perceptual skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Jörges
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nils Bury
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Visual Computing, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, St. Augustin, Germany
| | - Meaghan McManus
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ambika Bansal
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert S Allison
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Jenkin
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Maruta J. On labyrinthine function loss, motion sickness immunity, and velocity storage. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1426213. [PMID: 39006234 PMCID: PMC11239394 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1426213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Maruta
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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3
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Morfoisse T, Herrera Altamira G, Angelini L, Clément G, Beraneck M, McIntyre J, Tagliabue M. Modality-Independent Effect of Gravity in Shaping the Internal Representation of 3D Space for Visual and Haptic Object Perception. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2457202023. [PMID: 38267257 PMCID: PMC10977025 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2457-20.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Visual and haptic perceptions of 3D shape are plagued by distortions, which are influenced by nonvisual factors, such as gravitational vestibular signals. Whether gravity acts directly on the visual or haptic systems or at a higher, modality-independent level of information processing remains unknown. To test these hypotheses, we examined visual and haptic 3D shape perception by asking male and female human subjects to perform a "squaring" task in upright and supine postures and in microgravity. Subjects adjusted one edge of a 3D object to match the length of another in each of the three canonical reference planes, and we recorded the matching errors to obtain a characterization of the perceived 3D shape. The results show opposing, body-centered patterns of errors for visual and haptic modalities, whose amplitudes are negatively correlated, suggesting that they arise in distinct, modality-specific representations that are nevertheless linked at some level. On the other hand, weightlessness significantly modulated both visual and haptic perceptual distortions in the same way, indicating a common, modality-independent origin for gravity's effects. Overall, our findings show a link between modality-specific visual and haptic perceptual distortions and demonstrate a role of gravity-related signals on a modality-independent internal representation of the body and peripersonal 3D space used to interpret incoming sensory inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Morfoisse
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8002, INCC - Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, Paris F-75006, France
| | - Gabriela Herrera Altamira
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8002, INCC - Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, Paris F-75006, France
| | - Leonardo Angelini
- HumanTech Institute, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland//HES-SO, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
- School of Management Fribourg, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland//HES-SO, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Clément
- Université de Caen Normandie, Inserm, COMETE U1075, CYCERON, CHU de Caen, Normandie Univ, Caen 14000, France
| | - Mathieu Beraneck
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8002, INCC - Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, Paris F-75006, France
| | - Joseph McIntyre
- Tecnalia, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, San Sebastian 20009, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48009, Spain
| | - Michele Tagliabue
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8002, INCC - Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, Paris F-75006, France
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4
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Gammeri R, Salatino A, Pyasik M, Cirillo E, Zavattaro C, Serra H, Pia L, Roberts DR, Berti A, Ricci R. Modulation of vestibular input by short-term head-down bed rest affects somatosensory perception: implications for space missions. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1197278. [PMID: 37529715 PMCID: PMC10390228 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1197278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction On Earth, self-produced somatosensory stimuli are typically perceived as less intense than externally generated stimuli of the same intensity, a phenomenon referred to as somatosensory attenuation (SA). Although this phenomenon arises from the integration of multisensory signals, the specific contribution of the vestibular system and the sense of gravity to somatosensory cognition underlying distinction between self-generated and externally generated sensations remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether temporary modulation of the gravitational input by head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR)-a well-known Earth-based analog of microgravity-might significantly affect somatosensory perception of self- and externally generated stimuli. Methods In this study, 40 healthy participants were tested using short-term HDBR. Participants received a total of 40 non-painful self- and others generated electrical stimuli (20 self- and 20 other-generated stimuli) in an upright and HDBR position while blindfolded. After each stimulus, they were asked to rate the perceived intensity of the stimulation on a Likert scale. Results Somatosensory stimulations were perceived as significantly less intense during HDBR compared to upright position, regardless of the agent administering the stimulus. In addition, the magnitude of SA in upright position was negatively correlated with the participants' somatosensory threshold. Based on the direction of SA in the upright position, participants were divided in two subgroups. In the subgroup experiencing SA, the intensity rating of stimulations generated by others decreased significantly during HDBR, leading to the disappearance of the phenomenon of SA. In the second subgroup, on the other hand, reversed SA was not affected by HDBR. Conclusion Modulation of the gravitational input by HDBR produced underestimation of somatosensory stimuli. Furthermore, in participants experiencing SA, the reduction of vestibular inputs by HDBR led to the disappearance of the SA phenomenon. These findings provide new insights into the role of the gravitational input in somatosensory perception and have important implications for astronauts who are exposed to weightlessness during space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gammeri
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriana Salatino
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Pyasik
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cirillo
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Zavattaro
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Hilary Serra
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pia
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Donna R. Roberts
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Anna Berti
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ricci
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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5
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Bury NA, Jenkin M, Allison RS, Herpers R, Harris LR. Vection underwater illustrates the limitations of neutral buoyancy as a microgravity analog. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:42. [PMID: 37301926 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutral buoyancy has been used as an analog for microgravity from the earliest days of human spaceflight. Compared to other options on Earth, neutral buoyancy is relatively inexpensive and presents little danger to astronauts while simulating some aspects of microgravity. Neutral buoyancy removes somatosensory cues to the direction of gravity but leaves vestibular cues intact. Removal of both somatosensory and direction of gravity cues while floating in microgravity or using virtual reality to establish conflicts between them has been shown to affect the perception of distance traveled in response to visual motion (vection) and the perception of distance. Does removal of somatosensory cues alone by neutral buoyancy similarly impact these perceptions? During neutral buoyancy we found no significant difference in either perceived distance traveled nor perceived size relative to Earth-normal conditions. This contrasts with differences in linear vection reported between short- and long-duration microgravity and Earth-normal conditions. These results indicate that neutral buoyancy is not an effective analog for microgravity for these perceptual effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils-Alexander Bury
- Institute of Visual Computing, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Grantham-Allee 20, 53757, St. Augustin, Germany.
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
- Dept. of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Michael Jenkin
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Robert S Allison
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Rainer Herpers
- Institute of Visual Computing, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Grantham-Allee 20, 53757, St. Augustin, Germany
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
- Faculty of Computer Science, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | - Laurence R Harris
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
- Dept. of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
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6
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Kuldavletova O, Navarro Morales DC, Quarck G, Denise P, Clément G. Spaceflight alters reaction time and duration judgment of astronauts. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1141078. [PMID: 37007995 PMCID: PMC10063900 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1141078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a study on astronauts aimed at characterizing duration judgment before, during, and after long-duration stays on board the International Space Station. Ten astronauts and a control group of 15 healthy (non-astronaut) participants performed a duration reproduction task and a duration production task using a visual target duration ranging from 2 to 38 s. Participants also performed a reaction time test for assessing attention. Compared to control participants and preflight responses, the astronauts' reaction time increased during spaceflight. Also, during spaceflight, time intervals were under-produced while counting aloud and under-reproduced when there was a concurrent reading task. We hypothesize that time perception during spaceflight is altered by two mechanisms: (a) an acceleration of the internal clock through the changes in vestibular inputs in microgravity, and (b) difficulties in attention and working memory when a concurrent reading task is present. Prolonged isolation in confined areas, weightlessness, stress related to workload, and high-performance expectations could account for these cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gilles Clément
- University of Caen Normandy, INSERM, COMETE U1075, CYCERON, CHU of Caen, Caen, France
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7
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Navarro Morales DC, Kuldavletova O, Quarck G, Denise P, Clément G. Time perception in astronauts on board the International Space Station. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:6. [PMID: 36658133 PMCID: PMC9852442 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00250-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We perceive the environment through an elaborate mental representation based on a constant integration of sensory inputs, knowledge, and expectations. Previous studies of astronauts on board the International Space Station have shown that the mental representation of space, such as the perception of object size, distance, and depth, is altered in orbit. Because the mental representations of space and time have some overlap in neural networks, we hypothesized that perception of time would also be affected by spaceflight. Ten astronauts were tested before, during, and after a 6-8-month spaceflight. Temporal tasks included judging when one minute had passed and how long it had been since the start of the workday, lunch, docking of a vehicle, and a spacewalk. Compared to pre-flight estimates, there is a relative overestimation for the 1-min interval during the flight and a relative underestimation of intervals of hours in duration. However, the astronauts quite accurately estimated the number of days since vehicle dockings and spacewalks. Prolonged isolation in confined areas, stress related to workload, and high-performance expectations are potential factors contributing to altered time perception of daily events. However, reduced vestibular stimulations and slower motions in weightlessness, as well as constant references to their timeline and work schedule could also account for the change in the estimation of time by the astronauts in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah C. Navarro Morales
- grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076UNICAEN, INSERM, CHU Caen, Normandy University, COMETE, CYCERON, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Olga Kuldavletova
- grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076UNICAEN, INSERM, CHU Caen, Normandy University, COMETE, CYCERON, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Gaëlle Quarck
- grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076UNICAEN, INSERM, CHU Caen, Normandy University, COMETE, CYCERON, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Pierre Denise
- grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076UNICAEN, INSERM, CHU Caen, Normandy University, COMETE, CYCERON, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Gilles Clément
- grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076UNICAEN, INSERM, CHU Caen, Normandy University, COMETE, CYCERON, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France
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8
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Krittanawong C, Singh NK, Scheuring RA, Urquieta E, Bershad EM, Macaulay TR, Kaplin S, Dunn C, Kry SF, Russomano T, Shepanek M, Stowe RP, Kirkpatrick AW, Broderick TJ, Sibonga JD, Lee AG, Crucian BE. Human Health during Space Travel: State-of-the-Art Review. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010040. [PMID: 36611835 PMCID: PMC9818606 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.g., Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) have already started the process of preparing for long-distance, long-duration space exploration and currently plan to explore inner solar planets (e.g., Mars) by the 2030s. With the emergence of space tourism, space travel has materialized as a potential new, exciting frontier of business, hospitality, medicine, and technology in the coming years. However, current evidence regarding human health in space is very limited, particularly pertaining to short-term and long-term space travel. This review synthesizes developments across the continuum of space health including prior studies and unpublished data from NASA related to each individual organ system, and medical screening prior to space travel. We categorized the extraterrestrial environment into exogenous (e.g., space radiation and microgravity) and endogenous processes (e.g., alteration of humans' natural circadian rhythm and mental health due to confinement, isolation, immobilization, and lack of social interaction) and their various effects on human health. The aim of this review is to explore the potential health challenges associated with space travel and how they may be overcome in order to enable new paradigms for space health, as well as the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence based (AI) technology to propel future space health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Department of Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric M. Bershad
- Department of Neurology, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Scott Kaplin
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carly Dunn
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen F. Kry
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Marc Shepanek
- Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer, NASA, Washington, DC 20546, USA
| | | | - Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Jean D. Sibonga
- Division of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Andrew G. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Texas A and M College of Medicine, College Station, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Brian E. Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center, Human Health and Performance Directorate, Houston, TX 77058, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
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9
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Clément G, Moudy SC, Macaulay TR, Bishop MO, Wood SJ. Mission-critical tasks for assessing risks from vestibular and sensorimotor adaptation during space exploration. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1029161. [PMID: 36505047 PMCID: PMC9733831 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1029161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To properly assess the risk induced by vestibular and sensorimotor adaptation during exploration missions, we examined how long-duration stays on the International Space Station affect functional performance after gravity transitions. Mission-critical tasks that challenge the balance and the locomotion control systems were assessed: i.e., sit-to-stand, recovery-from-fall, tandem-walk, and walk-and-turn. We assessed 19 astronauts, including 7 first-time flyers and 12 experienced flyers, before their flight, a few hours after landing, and then 1 day and 6-11 days later. Results show that adaptation to long-term weightlessness causes deficits in functional performance immediately after landing that can last for up to 1 week. No differences were observed between first-time and experienced astronaut groups. These data suggest that additional sensorimotor-based countermeasures may be necessary to maintain functional performance at preflight levels when landing on planetary surfaces after a long period in weightlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Clément
- KBR, Houston, TX, United States,NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Gilles Clément,
| | | | | | | | - Scott J. Wood
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
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10
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Tran QD, Tran V, Toh LS, Williams PM, Tran NN, Hessel V. Space Medicines for Space Health. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1231-1247. [PMID: 35978686 PMCID: PMC9377000 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists from around the world are studying the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation via the "off-Earth" International Space Station (ISS) laboratory platform. The ISS has helped scientists make discoveries that go beyond the basic understanding of Earth. Over 300 medical experiments have been performed to date, with the goal of extending the knowledge gained for the benefit of humanity. This paper gives an overview of these numerous space medical findings, critically identifies challenges and gaps, and puts the achievements into perspective toward long-term space traveling and also adding benefits to our home planet. The medical contents are trifold structured, starting with the well-being of space travelers (astronaut health studies), followed by medical formulation research under space conditions, and then concluding with a blueprint for space pharmaceutical manufacturing. The review covers essential elements of our Earth-based pharmaceutical research such as drug discovery, drug and formulation stability, drug-organ interaction, drug disintegration/bioavailability/pharmacokinetics, pathogen virulence, genome mutation, and body's resistance. The information compiles clinical, medicinal, biological, and chemical research as well as fundamentals and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy Don Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Vienna Tran
- Adelaide
Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Li Shean Toh
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M. Williams
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
| | - Volker Hessel
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- School of
Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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11
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Arshad I, Ferrè ER. Express: Cognition in Zero Gravity: Effects of Non-Terrestrial Gravity on Human Behaviour. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2022; 76:979-994. [PMID: 35786100 PMCID: PMC10119906 DOI: 10.1177/17470218221113935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As humanity prepares for deep space exploration, understanding the impact of spaceflight on bodily physiology is critical. While the effects of non-terrestrial gravity on the body are well established, little is known about its impact on human behaviour and cognition. Astronauts often describe dramatic alterations in sensorimotor functioning, including orientation, postural control and balance. Changes in cognitive functioning as well as in socio-affective processing have also been observed. Here we have reviewed the key literature and explored the impact of non-terrestrial gravity across three key functional domains: sensorimotor, cognition, and socio-affective processing. We have proposed a neuroanatomical model to account for the effects of non-terrestrial gravity in these domains. Understanding the impact of non-terrestrial gravity on human behaviour has never been more timely and it will help mitigate against risks in both commercial and non-commercial spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Arshad
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK 3162
| | - Elisa Raffaella Ferrè
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK 3162
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12
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Desai RI, Limoli CL, Stark CEL, Stark SM. Impact of spaceflight stressors on behavior and cognition: A molecular, neurochemical, and neurobiological perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104676. [PMID: 35461987 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The response of the human body to multiple spaceflight stressors is complex, but mounting evidence implicate risks to CNS functionality as significant, able to threaten metrics of mission success and longer-term behavioral and neurocognitive health. Prolonged exposure to microgravity, sleep disruption, social isolation, fluid shifts, and ionizing radiation have been shown to disrupt mechanisms of homeostasis and neurobiological well-being. The overarching goal of this review is to document the existing evidence of how the major spaceflight stressors, including radiation, microgravity, isolation/confinement, and sleep deprivation, alone or in combination alter molecular, neurochemical, neurobiological, and plasma metabolite/lipid signatures that may be linked to operationally-relevant behavioral and cognitive performance. While certain brain region-specific and/or systemic alterations titrated in part with neurobiological outcome, variations across model systems, study design, and the conspicuous absence of targeted studies implementing combinations of spaceflight stressors, confounded the identification of specific signatures having direct relevance to human activities in space. Summaries are provided for formulating new research directives and more predictive readouts of portending change in neurobiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev I Desai
- Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Behavioral Biology Program, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Medical Sciences I, B146B, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology of Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology of Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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13
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Tays GD, McGregor HR, Lee JK, Beltran N, Kofman IS, De Dios YE, Mulder E, Bloomberg JJ, Mulavara AP, Wood SJ, Seidler RD. The Effects of 30 Minutes of Artificial Gravity on Cognitive and Sensorimotor Performance in a Spaceflight Analog Environment. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:784280. [PMID: 35310547 PMCID: PMC8924040 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.784280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The altered vestibular signaling and somatosensory unloading of microgravity result in sensory reweighting and adaptation to conflicting sensory inputs. Aftereffects of these adaptive changes are evident postflight as impairments in behaviors such as balance and gait. Microgravity also induces fluid shifts toward the head and an upward shift of the brain within the skull; these changes are well-replicated in strict head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR), a spaceflight analog environment. Artificial gravity (AG) is a potential countermeasure to mitigate these effects of microgravity. A previous study demonstrated that intermittent (six, 5-mins bouts per day) daily AG sessions were more efficacious at counteracting orthostatic intolerance in a 5 day HDBR study than continuous daily AG. Here we examined whether intermittent daily AG was also more effective than continuous dosing for mitigating brain and behavioral changes in response to 60 days of HDBR. Participants (n = 24) were split evenly between three groups. The first received 30 mins of continuous AG daily (cAG). The second received 30 mins of intermittent AG daily (6 bouts of 5 mins; iAG). The third received no AG (Ctrl). We collected a broad range of sensorimotor, cognitive, and brain structural and functional assessments before, during, and after the 60 days of HDBR. We observed no significant differences between the three groups in terms of HDBR-associated changes in cognition, balance, and functional mobility. Interestingly, the intermittent AG group reported less severe motion sickness symptoms than the continuous group during centrifugation; iAG motion sickness levels were not elevated above those of controls who did not undergo AG. They also had a shorter duration of post-AG illusory motion than cAG. Moreover, the two AG groups performed the paced auditory serial addition test weekly while undergoing AG; their performance was more accurate than that of controls, who performed the test while in HDBR. Although AG did not counteract HDBR-induced gait and balance declines, iAG did not cause motion sickness and was associated with better self-motion perception during AG ramp-down. Additionally, both AG groups had superior cognitive performance while undergoing AG relative to controls; this may reflect attention or motivation differences between the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant D. Tays
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Heather R. McGregor
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott J. Wood
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rachael D. Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Rachael D. Seidler,
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14
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Kim JJJ, McManus ME, Harris LR. Body Orientation Affects the Perceived Size of Objects. Perception 2021; 51:25-36. [PMID: 34913755 PMCID: PMC8771894 DOI: 10.1177/03010066211065673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Here, we investigate how body orientation relative to gravity affects the perceived size of visual targets. When in virtual reality, participants judged the size of a visual target projected at simulated distances of between 2 and 10 m and compared it to a physical reference length held in their hands while they were standing or lying prone or supine. Participants needed to make the visual size of the target 5.4% larger when supine and 10.1% larger when prone, compared to when they were in an upright position to perceive that it matched the physical reference length. Needing to make the target larger when lying compared to when standing suggests some not mutually exclusive possibilities. It may be that while tilted participants perceived the targets as smaller than when they were upright. It may be that participants perceived the targets as being closer while tilted compared to when upright. It may also be that participants perceived the physical reference length as longer while tilted. Misperceiving objects as larger and/or closer when lying may provide a survival benefit while in such a vulnerable position.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J-J Kim
- Centre for Vision Research, 7991York University, Canada
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15
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Salatino A, Iacono C, Gammeri R, Chiadò ST, Lambert J, Sulcova D, Mouraux A, George MS, Roberts DR, Berti A, Ricci R. Zero gravity induced by parabolic flight enhances automatic capture and weakens voluntary maintenance of visuospatial attention. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:29. [PMID: 34315902 PMCID: PMC8316350 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00159-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Orienting attention in the space around us is a fundamental prerequisite for willed actions. On Earth, at 1 g, orienting attention requires the integration of vestibular signals and vision, although the specific vestibular contribution to voluntary and automatic components of visuospatial attention remains largely unknown. Here, we show that unweighting of the otolith organ in zero gravity during parabolic flight, selectively enhances stimulus-driven capture of automatic visuospatial attention, while weakening voluntary maintenance of covert attention. These findings, besides advancing our comprehension of the basic influence of the vestibular function on voluntary and automatic components of visuospatial attention, may have operational implications for the identification of effective countermeasures to be applied in forthcoming human deep space exploration and habitation, and on Earth, for patients’ rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Salatino
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. .,Institute of Neuroscience (IoN), Université Catholique de Louvain Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Claudio Iacono
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Julien Lambert
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoN), Université Catholique de Louvain Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominika Sulcova
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoN), Université Catholique de Louvain Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - André Mouraux
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoN), Université Catholique de Louvain Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark S George
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Donna R Roberts
- Department of of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Anna Berti
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ricci
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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16
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Takács E, Barkaszi I, Czigler I, Pató LG, Altbäcker A, McIntyre J, Cheron G, Balázs L. Persistent deterioration of visuospatial performance in spaceflight. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9590. [PMID: 33953237 PMCID: PMC8100295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88938-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although human adaptation to spaceflight has been studied for decades, little is known about its long-term effects on brain and behavior. The present study investigated visuospatial performance and associated electrophysiological responses in astronauts before, during, and after an approximately half-year long mission to the International Space Station. Here we report findings demonstrating that cognitive performance can suffer marked decrements during spaceflight. Astronauts were slower and more error-prone on orbit than on Earth, while event-related brain potentials reflected diminished attentional resources. Our study is the first to provide evidence for impaired performance during both the initial (~ 8 days) and later (~ 50 days) stages of spaceflight, without any signs of adaptation. Results indicate restricted adaptability to spaceflight conditions and calls for new research prior to deep space explorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Takács
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, ELKH Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.,Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, 1075, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, 1075, Hungary
| | - Irén Barkaszi
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, ELKH Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - István Czigler
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, ELKH Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.,Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, 1075, Hungary
| | - Lívia Gabriella Pató
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, ELKH Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Anna Altbäcker
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, ELKH Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Joseph McIntyre
- Centre de Neurophysique, Physiology, Et Pathology, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Descartes, 75270, Paris Cedex 06, France.,Health Division, Tecnalia Research and Innovation, 20009, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.,Ikerbasque Science Foundation, 48009, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Guy Cheron
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology Movement Biomechanics, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070, Anderlecht, Belgium.,Laboratory of Electrophysiology, Université de Mons, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - László Balázs
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, ELKH Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
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17
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Clément GR, Boyle RD, George KA, Nelson GA, Reschke MF, Williams TJ, Paloski WH. Challenges to the central nervous system during human spaceflight missions to Mars. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:2037-2063. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00476.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel presents a number of environmental challenges to the central nervous system, including changes in gravitational acceleration that alter the terrestrial synergies between perception and action, galactic cosmic radiation that can damage sensitive neurons and structures, and multiple factors (isolation, confinement, altered atmosphere, and mission parameters, including distance from Earth) that can affect cognition and behavior. Travelers to Mars will be exposed to these environmental challenges for up to 3 years, and space-faring nations continue to direct vigorous research investments to help elucidate and mitigate the consequences of these long-duration exposures. This article reviews the findings of more than 50 years of space-related neuroscience research on humans and animals exposed to spaceflight or analogs of spaceflight environments, and projects the implications and the forward work necessary to ensure successful Mars missions. It also reviews fundamental neurophysiology responses that will help us understand and maintain human health and performance on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard D. Boyle
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | | | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, School of Medicine Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Millard F. Reschke
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Thomas J. Williams
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - William H. Paloski
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
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18
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Clément G, Bukley A, Loureiro N, Lindblad L, Sousa D, Zandvilet A. Horizontal and Vertical Distance Perception in Altered Gravity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5471. [PMID: 32214172 PMCID: PMC7096486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62405-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The perception of the horizontal and vertical distances of a visual target to an observer was investigated in parabolic flight during alternating short periods of normal gravity (1 g). microgravity (0 g), and hypergravity (1.8 g). The methods used for obtaining absolute judgments of egocentric distance included verbal reports and visually directed motion toward a memorized visual target by pulling on a rope with the arms (blind pulling). The results showed that, for all gravity levels, the verbal reports of distance judgments were accurate for targets located between 0.6 and 6.0 m. During blind pulling, subjects underestimated horizontal distances as distances increased, and this underestimation decreased in 0 g. Vertical distances for up targets were overestimated and vertical distances for down targets were underestimated in both 1 g and 1.8 g. This vertical asymmetry was absent in 0 g. The results of the present study confirm that blind pulling and verbal reports are independently influenced by gravity. The changes in distance judgments during blind pulling in 0 g compared to 1 g support the view that, during an action-based task, subjects base their perception of distance on the estimated motor effort of navigating to the perceived object.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angie Bukley
- International Space University Org., Inc., Webster, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nuno Loureiro
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - André Zandvilet
- European Space Research and Technology Center, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
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19
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Lee JK, De Dios Y, Kofman I, Mulavara AP, Bloomberg JJ, Seidler RD. Head Down Tilt Bed Rest Plus Elevated CO 2 as a Spaceflight Analog: Effects on Cognitive and Sensorimotor Performance. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:355. [PMID: 31680909 PMCID: PMC6811492 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long duration head down tilt bed rest (HDBR) has been widely used as a spaceflight analog environment to understand the effects of microgravity on human physiology and performance. Reports have indicated that crewmembers onboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience symptoms of elevated CO2 such as headaches at lower levels of CO2 than levels at which symptoms begin to appear on Earth. This suggests there may be combinatorial effects of elevated CO2 and the other physiological effects of microgravity including headward fluid shifts and body unloading. The purpose of the current study was to investigate these effects by evaluating the impact of 30 days of 6° HDBR and 0.5% CO2 (HDBR + CO2) on mission relevant cognitive and sensorimotor performance. We found a facilitation of processing speed and a decrement in functional mobility for subjects undergoing HDBR + CO2 relative to our previous study of HDBR in ambient air. In addition, nearly half of the participants in this study developed signs of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a constellation of ocular structural and functional changes seen in approximately one third of long duration astronauts. This allowed us the unique opportunity to compare the two subgroups. We found that participants who exhibited signs of SANS became more visually dependent and shifted their speed-accuracy tradeoff, such that they were slower but more accurate than those that did not incur ocular changes. These small subgroup findings suggest that SANS may have an impact on mission relevant performance inflight via sensory reweighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Lee
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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20
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Clément G, Wood SJ, Paloski WH, Reschke MF. Changes in gain of horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex during spaceflight. J Vestib Res 2019; 29:241-251. [PMID: 31306145 PMCID: PMC9249294 DOI: 10.3233/ves-190670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is a basic function of the vestibular system that stabilizes gaze during head movement. Investigations on how spaceflight affects VOR gain and phase are few, and the magnitude of observed changes varies considerably and depends on the protocols used. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether the gain and phase of the VOR in darkness and the visually assisted VOR were affected during and after spaceflight. METHODS: We measured the VOR gain and phase of 4 astronauts during and after a Space Shuttle spaceflight while the subjects voluntary oscillated their head around the yaw axis at 0.33 Hz or 1 Hz and fixed their gaze on a visual target (VVOR) or imagined this target when vision was occluded (DVOR). Eye position was recorded using electrooculography and angular velocity of the head was recorded with angular rate sensors. RESULTS: The VVOR gain at both oscillation frequencies remained near unity for all trials. DVOR gain was more variable inflight and postflight. Early inflight and immediately after the flight, DVOR gain was lower than before the flight. The phase between head and eye position was not altered by spaceflight. CONCLUSION: The decrease in DVOR gain early in the flight and after the flight reflects adaptive changes in central integration of vestibular and proprioceptive sensory inputs during active head movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Clément
- KBR, Houston, USA.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Bron, France
| | - Scott J Wood
- Neuroscience Laboratories, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, USA
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21
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Opsomer L, Théate V, Lefèvre P, Thonnard JL. Dexterous Manipulation During Rhythmic Arm Movements in Mars, Moon, and Micro-Gravity. Front Physiol 2018; 9:938. [PMID: 30065666 PMCID: PMC6056656 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting the consequences of one’s own movements can be challenging when confronted with completely novel environmental dynamics, such as microgravity in space. The absence of gravitational force disrupts internal models of the central nervous system (CNS) that have been tuned to the dynamics of a constant 1-g environment since birth. In the context of object manipulation, inadequate internal models produce prediction uncertainty evidenced by increases in the grip force (GF) safety margin that ensures a stable grip during unpredicted load perturbations. This margin decreases with practice in a novel environment. However, it is not clear how the CNS might react to a reduced, but non-zero, gravitational field, and if adaptation to reduced gravity might be beneficial for subsequent microgravity exposure. That is, we wondered if a transfer of learning can occur across various reduced-gravity environments. In this study, we investigated the kinematics and dynamics of vertical arm oscillations during parabolic flight maneuvers that simulate Mars gravity, Moon gravity, and microgravity, in that order. While the ratio of and the correlation between GF and load force (LF) evolved progressively with practice in Mars gravity, these parameters stabilized much quicker to subsequently presented Moon and microgravity conditions. These data suggest that prior short-term adaptation to one reduced-gravity field facilitates the CNS’s ability to update its internal model during exposure to other reduced gravity fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Opsomer
- System and Cognition Division, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Mathematical Engineering Department, Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Vincent Théate
- System and Cognition Division, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Mathematical Engineering Department, Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lefèvre
- System and Cognition Division, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Mathematical Engineering Department, Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jean-Louis Thonnard
- System and Cognition Division, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Mathematical Engineering Department, Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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22
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Reschke MF, Clément G. Vestibular and Sensorimotor Dysfunction During Space Flight. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40139-018-0173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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23
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24
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Jörges B, López-Moliner J. Gravity as a Strong Prior: Implications for Perception and Action. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:203. [PMID: 28503140 PMCID: PMC5408029 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the future, humans are likely to be exposed to environments with altered gravity conditions, be it only visually (Virtual and Augmented Reality), or visually and bodily (space travel). As visually and bodily perceived gravity as well as an interiorized representation of earth gravity are involved in a series of tasks, such as catching, grasping, body orientation estimation and spatial inferences, humans will need to adapt to these new gravity conditions. Performance under earth gravity discrepant conditions has been shown to be relatively poor, and few studies conducted in gravity adaptation are rather discouraging. Especially in VR on earth, conflicts between bodily and visual gravity cues seem to make a full adaptation to visually perceived earth-discrepant gravities nearly impossible, and even in space, when visual and bodily cues are congruent, adaptation is extremely slow. We invoke a Bayesian framework for gravity related perceptual processes, in which earth gravity holds the status of a so called “strong prior”. As other strong priors, the gravity prior has developed through years and years of experience in an earth gravity environment. For this reason, the reliability of this representation is extremely high and overrules any sensory information to its contrary. While also other factors such as the multisensory nature of gravity perception need to be taken into account, we present the strong prior account as a unifying explanation for empirical results in gravity perception and adaptation to earth-discrepant gravities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Jörges
- Department of Cognition, Development and Psychology of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de BarcelonaCatalonia, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de BarcelonaCatalonia, Spain
| | - Joan López-Moliner
- Department of Cognition, Development and Psychology of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de BarcelonaCatalonia, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de BarcelonaCatalonia, Spain
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25
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Török Á, Ferrè ER, Kokkinara E, Csépe V, Swapp D, Haggard P. Up, Down, Near, Far: An Online Vestibular Contribution to Distance Judgement. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169990. [PMID: 28085939 PMCID: PMC5235368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether a visual stimulus seems near or far away depends partly on its vertical elevation. Contrasting theories suggest either that perception of distance could vary with elevation, because of memory of previous upwards efforts in climbing to overcome gravity, or because of fear of falling associated with the downwards direction. The vestibular system provides a fundamental signal for the downward direction of gravity, but the relation between this signal and depth perception remains unexplored. Here we report an experiment on vestibular contributions to depth perception, using Virtual Reality. We asked participants to judge the absolute distance of an object presented on a plane at different elevations during brief artificial vestibular inputs. Relative to distance estimates collected with the object at the level of horizon, participants tended to overestimate distances when the object was presented above the level of horizon and the head was tilted upward and underestimate them when the object was presented below the level of horizon. Interestingly, adding artificial vestibular inputs strengthened these distance biases, showing that online multisensory signals, and not only stored information, contribute to such distance illusions. Our results support the gravity theory of depth perception, and show that vestibular signals make an on-line contribution to the perception of effort, and thus of distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágoston Török
- Brain Imaging Centre, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Elisa Raffaella Ferrè
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Kokkinara
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valéria Csépe
- Brain Imaging Centre, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Swapp
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Haggard
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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26
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Abstract
Going into space is a disorienting experience. Many studies have looked at sensory functioning in space but the multisensory basis of orientation has not been systematically investigated. Here, we assess how prolonged exposure to microgravity affects the relative weighting of visual, gravity, and idiotropic cues to perceived orientation. We separated visual, body, and gravity (when present) cues to perceived orientation before, during, and after long-term exposure to microgravity during the missions of seven astronauts on the International Space Station (mean duration 168 days) and measuring perceived vertical using the subjective visual vertical and the perceptual upright. The relative influence of each cue and the variance of their judgments were measured. Fourteen ground-based control participants performed comparable measurements over a similar period. The variance of astronauts' subjective visual vertical judgments in the absence of visual cues was significantly larger immediately upon return to earth than before flight. Astronauts' perceptual upright demonstrated a reduced reliance on visual cues upon arrival on orbit that re-appeared long after returning to earth. For earth-bound controls, the contributions of body, gravity, and vision remained constant throughout the year-long testing period. This is the first multisensory study of orientation behavior in space and the first demonstration of long-term perceptual changes that persist after returning to earth. Astronauts showed a plasticity in the weighting of perceptual cues to orientation that could form the basis for future countermeasures.
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Clément G, Loureiro N, Sousa D, Zandvliet A. Perception of Egocentric Distance during Gravitational Changes in Parabolic Flight. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159422. [PMID: 27463106 PMCID: PMC4963113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the effect of gravity on the perceived representation of the absolute distance of objects to the observers within the range from 1.5-6 m. Experiments were performed on board the CNES Airbus Zero-G during parabolic flights eliciting repeated exposures to short periods of microgravity (0 g), hypergravity (1.8 g), and normal gravity (1 g). Two methods for obtaining estimates of perceived egocentric distance were used: verbal reports and visually directed motion toward a memorized visual target. For the latter method, because normal walking is not possible in 0 g, blindfolded subjects translated toward the visual target by pulling on a rope with their arms. The results showed that distance estimates using both verbal reports and blind pulling were significantly different between normal gravity, microgravity, and hypergravity. Compared to the 1 g measurements, the estimates of perceived distance using blind pulling were shorter for all distances in 1.8 g, whereas in 0 g they were longer for distances up to 4 m and shorter for distances beyond. These findings suggest that gravity plays a role in both the sensorimotor system and the perceptual/cognitive system for estimating egocentric distance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuno Loureiro
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Duarte Sousa
- International Space University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Andre Zandvliet
- European Space Research and Technology Center, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
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Perception of Affordance during Short-Term Exposure to Weightlessness in Parabolic Flight. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153598. [PMID: 27097218 PMCID: PMC4838214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of the visual eye-height (VEH) in the perception of affordance during short-term exposure to weightlessness. Sixteen participants were tested during parabolic flight (0g) and on the ground (1g). Participants looked at a laptop showing a room in which a doorway-like aperture was presented. They were asked to adjust the opening of the virtual doorway until it was perceived to be just wide enough to pass through (i.e., the critical aperture). We manipulated VEH by raising the level of the floor in the visual room by 25 cm. The results showed effects of VEH and of gravity on the perceived critical aperture. When VEH was reduced (i.e., when the floor was raised), the critical aperture diminished, suggesting that widths relative to the body were perceived to be larger. The critical aperture was also lower in 0g, for a given VEH, suggesting that participants perceived apertures to be wider or themselves to be smaller in weightlessness, as compared to normal gravity. However, weightlessness also had an effect on the subjective level of the eyes projected into the visual scene. Thus, setting the critical aperture as a fixed percentage of the subjective visual eye-height remains a viable hypothesis to explain how human observers judge visual scenes in terms of potential for action or “affordances”.
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Proulx MJ, Todorov OS, Taylor Aiken A, de Sousa AA. Where am I? Who am I? The Relation Between Spatial Cognition, Social Cognition and Individual Differences in the Built Environment. Front Psychol 2016; 7:64. [PMID: 26903893 PMCID: PMC4749931 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowing who we are, and where we are, are two fundamental aspects of our physical and mental experience. Although the domains of spatial and social cognition are often studied independently, a few recent areas of scholarship have explored the interactions of place and self. This fits in with increasing evidence for embodied theories of cognition, where mental processes are grounded in action and perception. Who we are might be integrated with where we are, and impact how we move through space. Individuals vary in personality, navigational strategies, and numerous cognitive and social competencies. Here we review the relation between social and spatial spheres of existence in the realms of philosophical considerations, neural and psychological representations, and evolutionary context, and how we might use the built environment to suit who we are, or how it creates who we are. In particular we investigate how two spatial reference frames, egocentric and allocentric, might transcend into the social realm. We then speculate on how environments may interact with spatial cognition. Finally, we suggest how a framework encompassing spatial and social cognition might be taken in consideration by architects and urban planners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Proulx
- Crossmodal Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Bath Bath, UK
| | - Orlin S Todorov
- European Network for Brain Evolution Research The Hague, Netherlands
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Clément G, Allaway HCM, Demel M, Golemis A, Kindrat AN, Melinyshyn AN, Merali T, Thirsk R. Long-Duration Spaceflight Increases Depth Ambiguity of Reversible Perspective Figures. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132317. [PMID: 26146839 PMCID: PMC4492703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate depth perception in astronauts during and after spaceflight by studying their sensitivity to reversible perspective figures in which two-dimensional images could elicit two possible depth representations. Other ambiguous figures that did not give rise to a perception of illusory depth were used as controls. Six astronauts and 14 subjects were tested in the laboratory during three sessions for evaluating the variability of their responses in normal gravity. The six astronauts were then tested during four sessions while on board the International Space Station for 5–6 months. They were finally tested immediately after return to Earth and up to one week later. The reaction time decreased throughout the sessions, thus indicating a learning effect. However, the time to first percept reversal and the number of reversals were not different in orbit and after the flight compared to before the flight. On Earth, when watching depth-ambiguous perspective figures, all subjects reported seeing one three-dimensional interpretation more often than the other, i.e. a ratio of about 70–30%. In weightlessness this asymmetry gradually disappeared and after 3 months in orbit both interpretations were seen for the same duration. These results indicate that the perception of “illusory” depth is altered in astronauts during spaceflight. This increased depth ambiguity is attributed to the lack of the gravitational reference and the eye-ground elevation for interpreting perspective depth cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Clément
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Bron, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Heather C. M. Allaway
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the depth description levels required in experimental tasks on visual space perception. Six observers assessed the locations of 11 posts by determining a distance ranking order, comparing the distances between posts with a reference unit, and estimating the absolute distances between the posts. The experiments were performed in an open outdoor field under normal daylight conditions with posts at distances ranging from 2 to 12 m. To directly assess and compare the observers' perceptual performance in all three phases of the experiment, the raw data were transformed to common measurement levels. A pairwise comparison analysis provided nonmetric information regarding the observers' relative distance judgments, and a multidimensional-scaling procedure provided metric information regarding the relationship between a perceived spatial layout and the layout of the actual scene. The common finding in all of the analyses was that the precision and consistency of the observers' ordinal distance judgments were greater than those of their ratio distance judgments, which were, in turn, greater than the precision and consistency of their absolute-magnitude distance judgments. Our findings raise questions regarding the ecological validity of standard experimental tasks.
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Harris LR, Herpers R, Hofhammer T, Jenkin M. How much gravity is needed to establish the perceptual upright? PLoS One 2014; 9:e106207. [PMID: 25184481 PMCID: PMC4153541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Might the gravity levels found on other planets and on the moon be sufficient to provide an adequate perception of upright for astronauts? Can the amount of gravity required be predicted from the physiological threshold for linear acceleration? The perception of upright is determined not only by gravity but also visual information when available and assumptions about the orientation of the body. Here, we used a human centrifuge to simulate gravity levels from zero to earth gravity along the long-axis of the body and measured observers' perception of upright using the Oriented Character Recognition Test (OCHART) with and without visual cues arranged to indicate a direction of gravity that differed from the body's long axis. This procedure allowed us to assess the relative contribution of the added gravity in determining the perceptual upright. Control experiments off the centrifuge allowed us to measure the relative contributions of normal gravity, vision, and body orientation for each participant. We found that the influence of 1 g in determining the perceptual upright did not depend on whether the acceleration was created by lying on the centrifuge or by normal gravity. The 50% threshold for centrifuge-simulated gravity's ability to influence the perceptual upright was at around 0.15 g, close to the level of moon gravity but much higher than the threshold for detecting linear acceleration along the long axis of the body. This observation may partially explain the instability of moonwalkers but is good news for future missions to Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rainer Herpers
- Department of Computer Science, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hofhammer
- Department of Computer Science, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Michael Jenkin
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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