Modeling locomotor dysfunction following spaceflight with Galvanic vestibular stimulation

Exp Brain Res. 2006 Oct;174(4):647-59. doi: 10.1007/s00221-006-0528-1. Epub 2006 Jun 9.

Abstract

In this study locomotor and gaze dysfunction commonly observed in astronauts following spaceflight were modeled using two Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) paradigms: (1) pseudorandom, and (2) head-coupled (proportional to the summed vertical linear acceleration and yaw angular velocity obtained from a head-mounted Inertial Measurement Unit). Locomotor and gaze function during GVS were assessed by tests previously used to evaluate post-flight astronaut performance; dynamic visual acuity (DVA) during treadmill locomotion at 80 m/min, and navigation of an obstacle course. During treadmill locomotion with pseudorandom GVS there was a 12% decrease in coherence between head pitch and vertical translation at the step frequency relative to the no GVS condition, which was not significantly different to the 15% decrease in coherence observed in astronauts following shuttle missions. This disruption in head stabilization likely resulted in a decrease in DVA equivalent to the reduction in acuity observed in astronauts 6 days after return from extended missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). There were significant increases in time-to-completion of the obstacle course during both pseudorandom (21%) and head-coupled (14%) GVS, equivalent to an ISS astronaut 5 days post-landing. An attempt to suppress head movement was evident during both pseudorandom and head-coupled GVS while negotiating the obstacle course, with a 20 and 16%, decrease in head pitch and yaw velocity, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that pseudorandom GVS generates many of the salient features of post-flight locomotor dysfunction observed in astronauts following short and long duration missions. An ambulatory GVS system may prove a useful adjunct to the current pre-flight astronaut training regimen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astronauts
  • Eye Movements / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology*
  • Galvanic Skin Response / physiology*
  • Head Movements / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Space Flight*
  • Space Simulation
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / physiopathology*
  • Visual Acuity / physiology
  • Weightlessness / adverse effects*