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Motor function in microgravity: movement in weightlessness

J R Lackner1, P DiZio

  • 1Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Laboratory, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254, USA. lackner@binah.cc.brandeis.edu

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|December 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Microgravity research reveals that the three-dimensional organization of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) depends on gravitoinertial force. Proprioception from neck and arm muscles also significantly impacts motor control in altered gravity environments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Space Biology
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Microgravity offers unique research opportunities for motor control.
  • Previous studies focused on linear acceleration's effect on vestibular responses.
  • The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is crucial for stabilizing gaze during head movements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of microgravity on the three-dimensional organization of the VOR.
  • To explore the role of proprioceptive inputs from the neck and arms in motor control during altered gravity.
  • To understand sensorimotor adaptation mechanisms following spaceflight.

Main Methods:

  • Experiments conducted in microgravity environments.
  • Analysis of vestibular responses to angular acceleration.
Keywords:
NASA Discipline NeuroscienceNASA Discipline Number 00-00NASA Discipline Number 16-10NASA Program FlightNASA Program Space Physiology and CountermeasuresNon-NASA Center

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment of head and arm movement control.
  • Evaluation of proprioceptive inputs.

    • Main Results:

    • High-frequency VOR appears unaffected by transitions to microgravity.
    • Three-dimensional VOR organization is dependent on gravitoinertial force levels.
    • Cervical and brachial proprioception significantly influence motor control in microgravity.
    • Post-flight disturbances reveal sensorimotor adjustments over hours to weeks.

    Conclusions:

    • The VOR's spatial organization is sensitive to background force levels.
    • Proprioceptive feedback plays a critical, immediate role in motor adaptation to microgravity.
    • Sensorimotor systems exhibit plasticity, readapting to Earth's gravity over time.