De Laet, Chlo\ueb

Fransen, Erik

Glukhikh, Dmitrii

Jillings, Steven

Kornilova, Ludmila

MacDougall, Hamish

Moore, Steven

Naumov, Ivan

Schoenmaekers, Catho

Wille, Leander

Wuyts, Floris

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

Institutional Repository Universiteit Antwerpen

Ocular counter-roll is less affected in experienced versus novice space crew after long-duration spaceflight

Ocular counter-roll is less affected in experienced versus novice space crew after long-duration spaceflight

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Institutional Repository Universiteit Antwerpen