Short Title:
Straight Ahead in Microgravity
Responsible HRP Element:
Human Health Countermeasures
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Collaborating Org(s):
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| International Partner: |
| Research Operations and Integration (ROI) |
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Funding Status:
Active - Currently funded and in progress
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Procurement Mechanism(s):
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Aims:
The subjective straight-ahead direction is a very basic perceptual reference for spatial orientation movement, and locomotion. The perceived straight-ahead along the horizontal and vertical meridian is largely determined by both otolith and somatosensory inputs. Otolith and somatosensory inputs are altered in microgravity and will change this reference point. Adaptive processes are taking place within the central nervous system to take into account the new environment and compute new spatial egocentric and world-centered representations or frames of reference. This project will measure and monitor how these frames change over time by investigating eye movements and perceptual reports.
Experiment Objectives
- Examine adaptive changes in the perceived straight-ahead in microgravity using both ocular and perceptual tasks.
- Examine adaptive changes in eye-head coordination using eye movements (saccades) directed along different coordinate reference frames (egocentric versus environment).
- Evaluate how a vibrotactile feedback of reference frames can be used to improve spatial orientation of the directed saccades.
GIlles Clement was selected through ILSRA. Dr. Mill Reschke (NASA/JSC) is a Co-investigator.
This study is being implemented by the European Space Agency and is not carried in the U.S. ISS utilization plans.
This task also informs BHP gap: BMed3.
Other Resources
| Other Resources Needed?
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Yes
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Category:
Risk Characterization, Quantification
Subcategory:
Evidence or Risk Characterization
Description:
This task will contribute to gap closure by providing information regarding any changes in an individual's egocentric reference that might have negative consequences on evaluating the direction of an approaching object or on the accuracy of reaching movements or locomotion which is important for understanding the problems associated with long-term effects of microgravity on astronauts' and how they re-adapt to the return of gravitational forces on Earth or other planetary surfaces.
Internal Customers:
Human Health Countermeasures
External Customers:
None
Category:
Countermeasure
Subcategory:
Prototype Hardware or Software
Description:
This task will contribute to gap closure by evaluating how a vibrotactile feedback of reference frames can be used to improve spatial orientation of the directed saccades.
Internal Customers:
None
External Customers:
None