Modeling human perception of orientation in altered gravity.

Area of Science:

• Space biology
• Human factors engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Altered gravity affects astronaut spatial orientation, causing disorientation and sensorimotor issues.
• Existing mathematical models for tilt perception in hyper-gravity do not accurately predict experimental observations.
• Previous dynamic models of vestibular function are limited to 1 G and fail to predict roll tilt overestimation in hyper-gravity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate modified mathematical models for predicting spatial orientation perception in altered gravity.
• To address the limitations of prior static and dynamic models in hyper- and hypo-gravity environments.

Main Methods:

• Developed a modified utricular shear model for static tilt perception in hyper-gravity.
• Modified a previous observer-type canal-otolith interaction model based on CNS processing differences.
• Evaluated these models across four altered gravity paradigms: static roll/pitch tilt in hyper- and hypo-gravity.

Main Results:

• The modified utricular shear model accurately predicts static tilt perception in hyper-gravity.
• The modified observer model successfully predicts orientation perception in altered gravity.
• Both models demonstrated strong agreement with experimental data across all tested conditions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed static modified utricular shear model and dynamic modified observer model quantitatively predict astronaut orientation perception in altered gravity.
• These models offer improved predictive capabilities for space travel and related research.