Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
05:02
Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
6.9K
Mental rotation task in a pilot during and after pregnancy
Laura Piccardi1, Paola Verde, Filippo Bianchini
1Experimental Flight Center, Aerospace Medicine Department, Pratica Di Mare AFB, Pomezia, Rome, Italy.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|November 23, 2013
Summary
Pregnancy can affect visuo-spatial abilities, crucial for navigation. While hormonal changes occur, expert navigators show less sensitivity, with effects potentially lasting postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Cognitive performance during pregnancy shows inconsistent results.
- Visuo-spatial abilities are vital for navigation and may be impacted by hormonal shifts.
Observation:
- A pregnant Air Force pilot's performance on the 2-D Mental Rotation Task (MRT) was assessed during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Hormonal levels (estradiol, progesterone) were higher during pregnancy, while testosterone remained stable.
- The pilot's MRT response time differed significantly compared to non-pregnant pilots and non-pilots.
Findings:
- During pregnancy, the pilot was slower than experienced pilots but faster than non-pilots.
- One year postpartum, her performance improved, nearing that of experienced pilots.
Implications:
- Pregnancy influences visuo-spatial skills, with effects potentially persisting post-delivery.
- Expertise in flight navigation may confer resilience to pregnancy-related hormonal fluctuations on cognitive abilities.
