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Review
. 2015 Sep 16:9:129.
doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2015.00129. eCollection 2015.

Enhancing astronaut performance using sensorimotor adaptability training

Jacob J Bloomberg  1 , Brian T Peters  2 , Helen S Cohen  3 , Ajitkumar P Mulavara  4
Affiliations
Review

Enhancing astronaut performance using sensorimotor adaptability training

Jacob J Bloomberg et al. Front Syst Neurosci. .

Abstract

Astronauts experience disturbances in balance and gait function when they return to Earth. The highly plastic human brain enables individuals to modify their behavior to match the prevailing environment. Subjects participating in specially designed variable sensory challenge training programs can enhance their ability to rapidly adapt to novel sensory situations. This is useful in our application because we aim to train astronauts to rapidly formulate effective strategies to cope with the balance and locomotor challenges associated with new gravitational environments-enhancing their ability to "learn to learn." We do this by coupling various combinations of sensorimotor challenges with treadmill walking. A unique training system has been developed that is comprised of a treadmill mounted on a motion base to produce movement of the support surface during walking. This system provides challenges to gait stability. Additional sensory variation and challenge are imposed with a virtual visual scene that presents subjects with various combinations of discordant visual information during treadmill walking. This experience allows them to practice resolving challenging and conflicting novel sensory information to improve their ability to adapt rapidly. Information obtained from this work will inform the design of the next generation of sensorimotor countermeasures for astronauts.

Keywords: countermeasures; motor learning; plasticity; spaceflight; training.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Sensorimotor Adaptability (SA) Training System is comprised of a treadmill mounted on a motion base platform. The support surface is manipulated during walking to challenge a subject’s balance and gait stability. Additional sensory variation is presented with a visual scene that is programmed to conflict with the motion of the support surface. Subjects solve different combinations of support surface movement and visual scene motion, improving their ability to adapt while experiencing challenging and conflicting sensory environments.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic overview and corresponding references describing the components and underlying process taken to develop the SA Training Program.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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