Short Title:
NeuroMapping
Responsible HRP Element:
Human Health Countermeasures
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Collaborating Org(s):
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| Human Factors and Behavioral Performance (HFBP) Element |
| 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:
Changes in brain structure and function may play a direct role in spaceflight-associated sensorimotor and cognitive dual task deficits, and may further impact the long-term health of astronauts. The objective of this study is to perform structural (volumetric MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)) and functional (sensorimotor and cognitive task) MRI (fMRI) and functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI)) brain imaging to identify changes in crewmember neurocognitive function due to long-duration space flight. The central hypothesis of this study is that measures of brain structure, function, and network integrity will change from pre to post flight in crewmembers. Moreover, the prediction is that these changes will correlate with changes in the indices of cognitive, sensory, and motor function from pre flight, to in flight, and post flight, in a neuroanatomically selective fashion.
This study implements an interdisciplinary approach using cutting edge neuroimaging techniques and a broad range test battery of sensory, motor, and cognitive assessments to investigate neuroplastic and maladaptive brain changes in crewmembers following long-duration spaceflight.
This task also informs VIIP1 gap and the HCI and BMed Risks.
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 the closure of gap SM26 by providing the following evidence: identification of the underlying neural mechanisms and operational risks of spaceflight-induced changes in behavior, and 2) identification of whether a return to normative behavioral function following re-adaptation to Earth’s gravitational environment is associated with a restitution of brain structure and function or instead is supported by substitution with compensatory brain processes.
Internal Customers:
Human Health Countermeasures
External Customers:
None
Category:
Risk Characterization, Quantification
Subcategory:
Evidence or Risk Characterization
Description:
This task will contribute the closure of gap BMed3 by providing evidence to define "space normal" for cognition, and identify whether neurocognitive changes occur over the duration of an ISS mission.
Internal Customers:
Human Factors and Behavioral Performance
External Customers:
None