Space physiology II: adaptation of the central nervous system to space flight--past, current, and future studies.
Experiments performed in orbit on the central nervous system have focused on the control of posture, eye movements, spatial orientation, as well as cognitive processes, such as three-dimensional visual perception and mental representation of space. Brain activity has also been recorded during and immediately after space flight for evaluating the changes in brain structure activation during tasks involving perception, attention, memory, decision, and action. Recent ground-based studies brought evidence that the inputs from the neurovestibular system also participate in orthostatic intolerance. It is, therefore, important to revisit the flight data of neuroscience studies in the light of new models of integrative physiology. The outcomes of this exercise will increase our knowledge on the adaptation of body functions to changing gravitational environment, vestibular disorders, aging, and our approach towards more effective countermeasures during human space flight and planetary exploration.
Parcd'Innovation, International Space University, 1 rue Jean-Dominique Cassini, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France. clement@isunet.edu
Gilles
G
Clément
Jennifer Thu
JT
Ngo-Anh
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D013026:Space Flight / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*