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MPI CyberMotion Simulator: Implementation of a Novel Motion Simulator to Investigate Multisensory Path Integration in Three Dimensions
Published on: May 10, 2012
Perceptual-motor performance and associated kinematics in space
Barry Fowler1, Sean Meehan, Anthony Singhal
1School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, 4700 Keele St., North York, ON, Canada M3J 1P3. bfowler@yorku.ca
Human Factors
|March 19, 2009
Summary
Spaceflight impairs perceptual-motor performance due to cognitive overload, not microgravity. Proper training and task design can mitigate these effects, showing impairment is not inevitable.
Area of Science:
- Human factors in aerospace
- Spaceflight physiology
- Perceptual-motor performance
Background:
- Perceptual-motor performance deficits are common during early spaceflight.
- Existing evidence is conflicting regarding the cause of these deficits.
- This study examines the impact of task type and arm restraint on performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between microgravity effects and cognitive overload as causes of spaceflight-related performance impairment.
- To investigate the influence of joystick use and arm restraint on sensory-motor tasks.
- To assess the impact of dual-tasking on astronaut performance.
Main Methods:
- Five astronauts performed Fitts' reciprocal aiming task preflight, in-flight, and postflight.
- Tasks were conducted with a stylus or joystick, with or without arm restraint.
- Performance was evaluated as a single task and as a dual task with auditory reaction time measurement.
Main Results:
- In space, Fitts' function slope increased in the dual-task joystick condition.
- Reaction time (RT) and accuracy decreased in dual-task conditions.
- Increased time to peak acceleration, velocity, and deceleration observed during single-task aiming in space.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the cognitive overload hypothesis over the microgravity hypothesis.
- Perceptual-motor performance impairment is not an unavoidable consequence of spaceflight.
- Training and task design can effectively eliminate or reduce performance deficits in space.
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