title: Selective weighting of cutaneous receptor feedback and associated balance impairments following short duration space flight.
abstract: The present study investigated the perception of low frequency (3 Hz) vibration on the foot sole and its relationship to standing balance following short duration space flight in nine astronauts. Both 3 Hz vibration perception threshold (VPT) and standing balance measures increased on landing day compared to pre-flight. Contrary to our hypothesis, a positive linear relationship between these measures was not observed; however astronauts with the most sensitive skin (lowest 3 Hz VPT) were found to have the largest sway on landing day. While the change in foot sole sensitivity does not appear to directly relate to standing balance control, an exploratory strategy may be employed by astronauts whose threshold to pressure information is lower. Understanding sensory adaptations and balance control has implications to improve balance control strategies following space flight and in sensory impaired populations on earth.
authors.affiliation: University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada. Electronic address: nstrzalk@uoguelph.ca.
authors.forename: Nicholas D J
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Strzalkowski
authors.affiliation: Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada. Electronic address: lowrey@queensu.ca.
authors.forename: Catherine R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Lowrey
authors.affiliation: Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada. Electronic address: sperry@wlu.ca.
authors.forename: Stephen D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.affiliation: Southlake Regional Health Center, Newmarket, ON, Canada. Electronic address: dwilliams@southlakeregional.org.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, USA. Electronic address: swood@apu.edu.
authors.forename: Scott J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.affiliation: University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada. Electronic address: lbent@uoguelph.ca.
authors.forename: Leah R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Bent
mesh_terms: D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D005528:Foot; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance; D011312:Pressure; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013026:Space Flight; D014732:Vibration; D014893:Weightlessness
keywords: Balance; Foot sole; Skin; Space flight; Tactile perception