The objective of this study was to investigate depth perception in astronauts during and after spaceflight by studying their sensitivity to reversible perspective figures in which two-dimensional images could elicit two possible depth representations. Other ambiguous figures that did not give rise to a perception of illusory depth were used as controls. Six astronauts and 14 subjects were teste...

The article discusses the main physiological and psychological changes in human body conditions of weightlessness, which determine specifics organising ergonomic area at space station. Neurological cognitive impairments occur due to lack gravity, disturbances sense functioning, fluid redistribution body, musculoskeletal deformity. In a relaxed state has certain neutral position, different from ...

One of the most important and urgent issues in the field of space medicine is to reveal the potential mechanism underlying the disused muscle atrophy during the weightlessness or microgravity environment. It will conduce to find out effective methods for the prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy during a long-term space flight. Increasing data show that muscle spindle discharges are signif...

Investigations of spontaneous illusory reactions were carried out during space-flights of various durations by ANKETA questionnaires (104 cosmonauts). From a total of 104 cosmonauts, 24, in addition, used a dictaphone to record a verbal description of the illusions and their sensations on tape. Analysis of data generated by ANKETA and the tapes thus recorded have shown that during adaptation to...

Visual perception is not only based on incoming visual signals but also on information about a multimodal reference frame that incorporates vestibulo-proprioceptive input and motor signals. In addition, top-down modulation of visual processing has previously been demonstrated during cognitive operations including selective attention and working memory tasks. In the absence of a stable gravitati...

In spite of the experience gained in human space flight since Yuri Gagarin's historical flight in 1961, there has yet to be identified a completely effective countermeasure for mitigating the effects of weightlessness on humans. Were astronauts to embark upon a journey to Mars today, the 6-month exposure to weightlessness en route would leave them considerably debilitated, even with the impleme...

D IFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED in assessing the influence of weightlessness on the circulatory system have previously been discussed, s Problems other than weightlessness which profoundly influence the cardiovascular system must also be considered. One of these in confinement or inactivity resulting in cardiovascular deconditioning. Simulated hypogravic studies done to date all include inactivity as...

Several reports have shown the deleterious effects of weightlessness on astronauts. Among the pathological conditions recorded, those involving the skeleton are dramatic, characterised by a decrease of bone mass and by bone demineralization, eventually leading to osteoporosis. This is consistent with the notion that mechanical loading is critical for the maintenance of a correct bone mass, sinc...