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Multivariate changes in coordination of postural control following spaceflight

R A Speers1, W H Paloski, A D Kuo

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2125, USA. rspeers@umich.edu

Journal of Biomechanics
|December 5, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Astronauts returning from space exhibit altered posture control, relying more on hip movement than ankle strategies. These changes in multijoint coordination are key to understanding post-flight balance recovery.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Human Physiology
  • Aerospace Medicine

Background:

  • Spaceflight causes central nervous system adaptations in sensory processing.
  • Astronauts experience postural and gait instabilities upon return to Earth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate multivariate changes in postural sway and interjoint coordination after spaceflight.
  • To compare postural control gains under altered sensory conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Sensory Organization Test (EquiTest) to assess balance.
  • Measured hip and ankle kinematics covariance for interjoint coordination.
  • Employed discriminant analysis on data from 10 first-time astronauts.

Main Results:

Keywords:
NASA Center JSCNASA Discipline Neuroscience

Related Experiment Videos

  • Increased relative utilization of the hip strategy was observed in 5 out of 6 conditions.
  • Higher hip torque gains were noted relative to lower extremity and neck motion.
  • Ankle torque gains remained unchanged, suggesting a shift in control strategy.

Conclusions:

  • Post-spaceflight, astronauts display significant multivariate changes in multijoint coordination.
  • Increased sway is only one aspect; altered sensory reweighting and control strategies are critical.
  • Findings highlight the complexity of balance recovery after prolonged microgravity exposure.