1. Test the usefulness of three brief validated software-based cognitive performance tests (PVT SelfTest, Digit Symbol Substitution Test and the Descending Subtraction Test), which will collectively be known as the Penn Neurobehavioral Test Battery. Data will be collected on crew members and mission support personnel. Findings from this aim will also inform Sleep1 and Bmed3 (development and validation of measurement tools).

2. Acquire saliva samples to assay for cortisol levels, as a physiological measure of stress. Salivary cortisol data will be collected on crew members and mission support personnel.

1) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from sleep loss and circadian disruption during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extended wake duration between 16 hours; ii) sleep restriction defined as total sleep time >0 and <6 hours per 24-hour period; and iii) circadian perturbation associated with night work and slam shifting.

2) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from work intensity during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extend work durations up to 16 hours per day; ii) more than 6 consecutive work days without a day off for rest; and iii) work requiring extravehicular activity (EVA).

3) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts declines with time in mission.

4) To explore the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts will be sensitive to the carry-over effects of medications for sleep (e.g., zolpidem, ramelteon, etc.) on ISS.

This task will inform specific future research needs (if any) based on a thorough evidence review and an operational assessment on workload models, and fatigue models. Results could help inform whether the integration of various models is feasible, and how existing models supported by NASA and the military can support operations. The task contributes to gap closure by potentially yielding an enhanced mitigation strategy for future missions.

The intent of this task is to evaluate sleep data from the largest, most systematic assessment of sleep in space (Barger et al., 2014), relative to performance outcomes in space, such as cognitive performance and operational performance (if accessible).

Develop a prototype software measure of stress based on physiological outcomes.

Given the extended duration of future missions and the isolated, extreme, and confined environments, there is the possibility that stress-related behavioral conditions and mental disorders (DSM-IV-TR) will develop. The overarching goal of this project is to deliver an integrated system that will track physiological signals (heart rate and heart rate variability) and behavioral signals (sleep wake patterns) to detect chronic stress, hyperarousal, and insomnia during space missions. This project will deliver both the sensor hardware and signal processing software needed for the real-time data collection and integration with other behavioral health monitoring systems (e.g., Individualized Fatigue Meter and Individualized Behavioral Health Meter).

This is an SBIR Phase 2 project and the third and final component of the Behavioral Health and Performance Dashboard Software (BHP-DS)

Introduction

Sensorimotor adaptation to the relative absence of gravity on orbit is thought to be responsible for a range of sensorimotor deficits (postural, locomotor, oculomotor, perception of motion) observed in astronauts post-landing. Long-term exposure to microgravity has the potential to negatively impact the ability of crew members to navigate and control a landing vehicle and perform post-landing surface operations for exploration class missions. This goal of this study is to objectively define the effects of long-duration spaceflight on operator proficiency, and identify microgravity-related sensorimotor and/or cognitive deficits underlying degradation of operator effectiveness.

Specific Aims

The Specific Aims of this pre- and post-flight study include: 1) assess changes in cognitive, oculomotor, fine motor, and vestibular mechanisms potentially underlying post-flight deficits in operator performance, and 2) assess changes in astronaut performance on four operationally-relevant simulator tasks: control of an automobile, teleoperation of a robotic arm, T-38A Talon landing, and operation of rover docking.

Methods

The methods include a comparison of pre-flight (x4 sessions) and post-flight (R+1, +4 and +8 days) measurements obtained on seated ISS crew members using both the physiological test battery (30 min/session) and manual control simulations (60 min/session). In addition, this study will obtain subjective and objective measures of sleepiness and fatigue that will be used to assess the cumulative effects of in-flight sleep deprivation and workload on post-flight sensorimotor and operator function.

Expected Results