Simulating Extreme Environmental Conditions via Mental Imagery: The Case of Microgravity and Weight Estimation

Abstract

Mental imagery can be used for recreating an extreme environment experience. Here we assessed whether microgravity effects over cognition, that typically occur during a space mission, may be reproduced via mental imagery. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions in which they were guided to imagine to be (1) in outer space or (2) in a nature scenario and subsequently estimate the weight of common objects. We found that only for those who engaged in a space scenario imagery, there was a decrease in object weight estimation compared with a prior rating. This finding is the first to indicate that the effects of weightlessness on cognition can be simulated via an imagery-based technique and add to the ongoing debate about the importance of trying to disentangle the effect of microgravity alone on human performance. Moreover, our findings ultimately suggest that imagery can be used as a less expensive simulated scenario for studying the impact of extreme environmental conditions over astronauts’ cognition and behavior.

Neurocognitive Adaptations for Spatial Orientation and Navigation in Astronauts

“…In conclusion, our findings provide an initial characterization of the neural mechanisms of a cognitive adaptation to spaceflight, suggesting astronauts rely less on the cognitive strategies and neural resources they used at preflight time points, resources that are presumably specialized for terrestrial spatial processing. These preliminary findings are particularly interesting because they extend beyond the known sensorimotor changes associated with spaceflight [14,50,69,70], which include postural instability, motor impairments, and visual illusions, and instead, implicate an alteration of the cognitive processes involved in computing and integrating spatial information from multiple viewpoints. We drew this conclusion partially from phenomenological reports of astronaut's experiences in microgravity, but it remains to be determined how those changes take place in space during the course of their mission.…”

Geriatric Space Travel©

“…Mood disorders in the older patient can have a severe affect on their interactions, insight, contribution and maintenance of relationships [111][112][113]. The acquired skill and knowledge held by the geriatric astronauts, who may still be working at full capacity in their work team environment, will be challenged further by enclosed spaceship environments, where changes to cognition may cause a range of unanticipated issues [114,115]. Like all patients, physiological causes for changes in mood and social interaction would need to be ruled out/treated and any correctable nutrient, endocrine or metabolic contribution, including gastrointestinal microbiome imbalance affecting uptake of nutrients and/or medications, would need to be corrected [116][117][118][119].…”