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Normative study of Spacelab preflight/postflight vestibular test battery
M Shelhamer1, L A Marino, L R Young
1Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|September 1, 1987
Summary
This study established normative responses for the MIT/Canadian Spacelab vestibular test battery, assessing otolith and rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function. Findings aid in interpreting astronaut data from space missions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aerospace Medicine
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The vestibular system is crucial for spatial orientation and balance.
- Understanding normative vestibular function is essential for spaceflight research.
- The MIT/Canadian Spacelab vestibular test battery assesses key aspects of vestibular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline normative responses for the MIT/Canadian Spacelab vestibular test battery.
- To provide reference data for interpreting vestibular function in astronauts.
- To evaluate otolith and rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a linear acceleration sled for otolith function tests (motion perception, linear VOR, closed-loop nulling).
- Measured rotational VOR at different frequencies in light and dark conditions.
- Assessed static and dynamic visual-vestibular interactions using rod and frame and roll vection paradigms.
Main Results:
- Established normative data for linear and rotational VOR.
- Quantified visual-vestibular interaction under static and dynamic conditions.
- Demonstrated the utility of the normative data for interpreting astronaut testing.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully established baseline normative data for a comprehensive vestibular test battery.
- These normative values are critical for assessing vestibular changes in astronauts.
- The findings support the use of this battery for preflight and postflight evaluations of space crews.