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Effect of long-duration spaceflight on postural control during self-generated perturbations
C S Layne1, A P Mulavara, P V McDonald
1Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston 77204, USA. clayne2@bayou.uh.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 22, 2001
Summary
Long spaceflights impair astronauts' ability to maintain balance. Post-flight, subtle control for bipedal equilibrium is compromised due to disrupted neuromuscular activation during self-generated perturbations.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Space medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Spaceflight leads to significant physiological adaptations, including compromised postural control.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for astronaut health and mission safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effects of prolonged weightlessness on bipedal postural control.
- To investigate neuromuscular activation and center of pressure (COP) motion during self-generated perturbations after spaceflight.
Main Methods:
- Eight astronauts performing rapid unilateral shoulder flexions before and after 3-6 month spaceflights.
- Collected surface electromyography, arm acceleration, and COP motion data.
- Analyzed changes in postural control and neuromuscular activation patterns.
Main Results:
- Astronauts exhibited compromised postural control post-flight, with altered COP excursion and pathlength.
- Disrupted neuromuscular activation was observed, particularly during the maintenance of posture after arm movement.
- The subtle control required for bipedal equilibrium was significantly affected.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged spaceflight compromises bipedal postural control and the neuromuscular mechanisms supporting it.
- While astronauts can adapt to perform movements, fine-tuning balance after self-generated perturbations is impaired.
- These findings highlight the need for effective countermeasures for balance deficits in astronauts.