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Ocular counter-roll is less affected in experienced versus novice space crew after long-duration spaceflight
oleh: Catho Schoenmaekers, Chloƫ De Laet, Ludmila Kornilova, Dmitrii Glukhikh, Steven Moore, Hamish MacDougall, Ivan Naumov, Erik Fransen, Leander Wille, Steven Jillings, Floris L. Wuyts
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | Nature Portfolio 2022-07-01 |
Deskripsi
Abstract Otoliths are the primary gravity sensors of the vestibular system and are responsible for the ocular counter-roll (OCR). This compensatory eye torsion ensures gaze stabilization and is sensitive to a head roll with respect to gravity and the Gravito-Inertial Acceleration vector during, e.g., centrifugation. To measure the effect of prolonged spaceflight on the otoliths, we quantified the OCR induced by off-axis centrifugation in a group of 27 cosmonauts in an upright position before and after their 6-month space mission to the International Space Station. We observed a significant decrease in OCR early postflight, larger for first-time compared to experienced flyers. We also found a significantly larger torsion for the inner eye, the eye closest to the rotation axis. Our results suggest that experienced cosmonauts have acquired the ability to adapt faster after G-transitions. These data provide a scientific basis for sending experienced cosmonauts on challenging missions that include multiple g-level transitions.