[Evaluation of alternations in mental performance due to the effect of extended isolation]

Dynamics of mental performance, critical periods of adaptation, and cognitive processes were studies in conjunction with extended experimental isolation. Training to simple motor skills was found to be less impeded by prolonged isolation as opposed to operations requiring active involvement of higher psychic functions (memory, concentration, thinking). Experiments HUBES and ECOPSY strengthened the hypothesis concerning possible advent of critical periods in prolonged isolation impacting mental performance. They are the initial period (week 1 in isolation), emergency, arrival of visiting crews, and finishing two weeks. Effect of isolation was not so much evident from changes in absolute meanings of work parameters as from the reduction of their stability in time.