Motor imagery: lessons learned in movement science might be applicable for spaceflight

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Space Medicine
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Astronauts currently use parabolic flights and underwater training for weightlessness adaptation.
• Existing methods do not prepare astronauts for re-adaptation to planetary gravity after space missions.
• There is a need for effective pre-flight and in-flight training for both microgravity and re-entry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel, simple, and inexpensive training approach for astronauts.
• To prepare astronauts for both the absence and the renewed presence of gravity.
• To leverage motor imagery (MI) for space mission adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing motor imagery (MI), a cognitive process involving mental simulation of actions without physical execution.
• Implementing MI-based training protocols pre-flight to prepare for weightlessness.
• Applying MI protocols late in-flight to prepare for planetary gravity re-adaptation.

Main Results:

• Motor imagery training has demonstrated efficacy in modifying brain circuitry.
• MI protocols have shown improvements in motor performance across diverse populations, including athletes and patients.
• The proposed approach is quick, simple, and inexpensive.

Conclusions:

• Motor imagery offers a viable method for preparing astronauts for the challenges of spaceflight and re-entry.
• This cognitive training can potentially enhance adaptation to altered gravitational environments.
• MI training could be a valuable addition to astronaut preparation, addressing limitations of current methods.