Assessment of the Psychophysiological State of Female Operators Under Simulated Microgravity

Area of Science:

• Space physiology
• Psychophysiology
• Human factors in extreme environments

Background:

• Simulated microgravity via dry immersion (DI) is a model for studying physiological and psychological adaptation to spaceflight.
• Understanding gender-specific responses to microgravity is crucial for astronaut health and mission success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychophysiological state of female subjects during acute adaptation to simulated microgravity (DI).
• To analyze non-verbal speech characteristics as indicators of adaptation.
• To compare adaptation responses between female and male subjects.

Main Methods:

• Non-verbal speech analysis (pitch, intensity, pauses).
• Psychometric assessments: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Profile of Mood States (POMS).
• Facial expression analysis (neutral expressions).
• Cognitive performance tests (sensorimotor tasks, mathematical computation).

Main Results:

• Female subjects showed earlier and faster acute adaptation to DI, indicated by reduced anxiety and depression (p < 0.05).
• Adaptation correlated with decreased voice pitch and intensity (p < 0.05).
• Women exhibited a "freeze" coping strategy with maximal neutral facial expressions during intense periods.
• Cognitive performance in sensorimotor tasks improved with psychophysiological excitement; mathematical computation speed increased with fewer speech pauses.

Conclusions:

• Female adaptation to simulated microgravity is faster than previously observed in males.
• Non-verbal cues, including speech characteristics and facial expressions, provide valuable insights into psychophysiological adaptation.
• Gender differences in coping strategies and cognitive-task performance relationships warrant further investigation in microgravity research.