Abstract
Previous studies about human sensorimotor coordination in space are
inconclusive: it was reported that subjects in weightlessness point
too high or too low, too fast or at normal speed, with increased
or with normal variability; and that their tracking performance is
degraded or normal. A better understanding of human performance in
space would be desirable not only from the basic science perspective,
but also for operational reasons. We propose a conceptual framework
to explain the reported diversity, and to point out avenues for future
research. We argue that exposure to weightlessness produces sensorimotor
discordance, to which subjects gradually adapt through processes
similar to those involved in earthbound adaptation. These processes
require substantial information-processing resources in the brain,
which may not be easily available during the hectic pace of a space
mission. Within this framework, it is not surprising that previous
data on sensorimotor performance in space were incongruent, as demand
and availability of resources may have differed between missions,
or even between subjects. We therefore propose that future work should
control resource demand and availability, and study their effects
on sensorimotor performance before and during space missions, in
order to deconfound their effects from the immediate effects of gravity.
A suitable hardware for such research is presented.
- adaptation,
- ankle
- biological,
- biomechanics,
- equilibrium,
- factors,
- flight,
- human,
- joint,
- knee
- models,
- movement,
- musculoskeletal
- orientation,
- physiological,
- posture,
- proprioception,
- space
- time
- weightlessness,
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