Selective weighting of cutaneous receptor feedback and associated balance impairments following short duration space flight.
The present study investigated the perception of low frequency (3 Hz) vibration on the foot sole and its relationship to standing balance following short duration space flight in nine astronauts. Both 3 Hz vibration perception threshold (VPT) and standing balance measures increased on landing day compared to pre-flight. Contrary to our hypothesis, a positive linear relationship between these measures was not observed; however astronauts with the most sensitive skin (lowest 3 Hz VPT) were found to have the largest sway on landing day. While the change in foot sole sensitivity does not appear to directly relate to standing balance control, an exploratory strategy may be employed by astronauts whose threshold to pressure information is lower. Understanding sensory adaptations and balance control has implications to improve balance control strategies following space flight and in sensory impaired populations on earth.
['Strzalkowski|Nicholas D J|ND|', 'Lowrey|Catherine R|CR|', 'Perry|Stephen D|SD|', 'Williams|David R|DR|', 'Wood|Scott J|SJ|', 'Bent|Leah R|LR|']
D025461:Feedback, Physiological D005528:Foot D006801:Humans D004856:Postural Balance D011312:Pressure D012684:Sensory Thresholds D012867:Skin D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena D013026:Space Flight D014732:Vibration D014893:Weightlessness
Balance Space flight Foot sole Skin Tactile perception