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Sensorimotor Impairments during Spaceflight: Trigger Mechanisms and Haptic Assistance

Weber, Bernhard and Stelzer, Martin (2022) Sensorimotor Impairments during Spaceflight: Trigger Mechanisms and Haptic Assistance. Frontiers in Neuroergonomics. Frontiers Media S.A.. doi: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.959894. ISSN 2673-6195.

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Official URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnrgo.2022.959894/full

Abstract

In a few years, manned space missions are planned in which the sensorimotor performance of humans will be of outstanding importance. However, research has repeatedly shown that human sensorimotor function can be impaired under conditions of microgravity. One way to compensate for these impairments is haptic feedback provided by the human-machine interface. In the current series of studies, sensorimotor performance was measured in basic aiming and tracking tasks. These tasks had to be performed using a force feedback joystick with different haptic settings (three spring stiffnesses, two dampings, two virtual masses, and no haptics). In two terrestrial studies, we investigated (1) the effects of cognitive load on performance in a dual-task paradigm (N = 10) and (2) which learning effects can be expected in these tasks in a longitudinal study design (N = 20). In the subsequent space study (N = 3 astronauts), the influence of microgravity and haptic settings of the joystick were investigated. For this purpose, three mission sessions after 2, 4, and 6 weeks on board the International Space Station (ISS), as well as terrestrial pre- and post-flight sessions, were conducted. The results of the studies indicated that (1) additional cognitive load led to longer reaction times during aiming and increased tracking error while aiming precision was not affected. (2) Significant learning effects were evident for most measures in the study on time effects. (3) Contrary to the expected learning trend, microgravity impaired the aiming precision performance of all astronauts in the initial phase of adaptation (2 weeks in space). No other significant effects were found. Intriguingly, these performance decrements could be compensated for with low to medium spring stiffness and virtual mass. The general result pattern provides further evidence that distorted proprioception during early adaptation to microgravity conditions is one main mechanism underlying sensorimotor impairment.

Item URL in elib:https://elib.dlr.de/187920/
Document Type:Article
Title:Sensorimotor Impairments during Spaceflight: Trigger Mechanisms and Haptic Assistance
Authors:
AuthorsInstitution or Email of AuthorsAuthor's ORCID iDORCID Put Code
Weber, BernhardUNSPECIFIEDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-7857-0201UNSPECIFIED
Stelzer, MartinUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Date:11 August 2022
Journal or Publication Title:Frontiers in Neuroergonomics
Refereed publication:Yes
Open Access:Yes
Gold Open Access:Yes
In SCOPUS:No
In ISI Web of Science:No
DOI:10.3389/fnrgo.2022.959894
Publisher:Frontiers Media S.A.
Series Name:The human body, brain, and behaviour in the context of spaceflight and extreme environments
ISSN:2673-6195
Status:Published
Keywords:Microgravity (μg), Sensorimotor performance, Cognitive load, Haptic devices, Force feedback
HGF - Research field:Aeronautics, Space and Transport
HGF - Program:Space
HGF - Program Themes:Robotics
DLR - Research area:Raumfahrt
DLR - Program:R RO - Robotics
DLR - Research theme (Project):R - Telerobotics
Location: Oberpfaffenhofen
Institutes and Institutions:Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics (since 2013) > Cognitive Robotics
Deposited By: Weber, Dr. Bernhard
Deposited On:19 Aug 2022 12:00
Last Modified:26 Jan 2023 17:54

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