The Effects of Weightlessness on Human Body: Spatial Orientation, Sensory-Integration and Sensory-Compensation

Abstract

Since the first human space flight, extensive experimental research has reported that, in the absence of graviceptor signals in space, astronauts experience difficulties in balance, vision and other sensory-motor related functions. It was shown that, excluding psychological and operational factors, the absence of graviceptor signals from various vestibular organs is the key causal factor in spaceflight-induced anatomical and functional brain changes. This chapter summarizes the effects of weightlessness on spatial orientation, sensory-integration and sensory-compensation. It also contains a review of recent evidence from ground-based space-flight analog studies, and their influence on understanding of cognitive processes and brain functions. © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.