Nausea, Autonomic Function, and the Astronauts: Concepts, Findings, and Applications to GIMD Patient Care

Abstract

Background: Nausea and vomiting, whether acute or chronic, often result from disturbances in the central, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. Both space motion sickness and gastrointestinal motility disorders share overlapping mechanisms involving autonomic dysfunction, abnormal gastric myoelectric activity, and delayed gastric emptying. Conventional medical and surgical treatments often provide incomplete relief or cause undesirable side effects, which has encouraged investigation into nonpharmacologic approaches.

Aims: This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of Autogenic Feedback Training Exercise, a behavioral intervention developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as an adjunctive treatment for patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders and related autonomic dysfunction.

Methods: Findings from clinical and experimental research involving astronauts, pilots, and individuals with gastrointestinal motility disorders were reviewed. The training combines cognitive imagery and biofeedback techniques to help subjects voluntarily regulate physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductance. Sessions typically last thirty minutes and include alternating relaxation and arousal exercises over several weeks.

Results: Autogenic Feedback Training Exercise increased motion sickness tolerance and reduced sympathetic activation while improving physiological stability. In individuals with gastrointestinal motility disorders, it enhanced gastric emptying, improved electro gastrographic activity, and lessened symptom severity, particularly in those with mild to moderate delay in gastric emptying. When combined with gastric electrical stimulation, outcomes further improved through enhanced autonomic and enteric regulation.

Conclusions: Autogenic Feedback Training Exercise offers a promising, noninvasive approach for restoring autonomic balance and improving gastrointestinal function. Remote delivery through telemedicine may expand access for patients with chronic illness.

Keywords: Cyclic vomiting syndrome; Functional dyspepsia; GIMD; Gastroparesis; Space motion sickness (SMS).