Behavior – NSBRI http://nsbri.org National Space Biomedical Research Institute Sat, 06 Feb 2016 12:20:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.9 Psychosocial Performance Factors in Space-Dwelling Groups http://nsbri.org/researches/psychosocial-performance-factors-in-space-dwelling-groups/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:19 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/psychosocial-performance-factors-in-space-dwelling-groups/ Healthy communication and interaction among astronauts and with the ground crew is vital to the success of extended space missions. Dr. Joseph Brady is developing a multi-person simulation in computer-generated environments to analyze psychosocial interactions, looking at the effects of selection, training, and experience within and between group members. This model will help ensure optimal […]

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]]> Healthy communication and interaction among astronauts and with the ground crew is vital to the success of extended space missions. Dr. Joseph Brady is developing a multi-person simulation in computer-generated environments to analyze psychosocial interactions, looking at the effects of selection, training, and experience within and between group members. This model will help ensure optimal performance in space and on ground-based activities.

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]]> Psychosocial Performance Factors in Space-Dwelling Groups http://nsbri.org/researches/psychosocial-performance-factors-in-space-dwelling-groups-2/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:19 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/psychosocial-performance-factors-in-space-dwelling-groups-2/ Healthy communication and interaction among astronauts and with the ground crew is vital to the success of extended space missions. Dr. Joseph Brady is developing a multi-person simulation in computer-generated environments to analyze psychosocial interactions, looking at the effects of selection, training, and experience within and between group members. This model will help ensure optimal […]

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]]> Healthy communication and interaction among astronauts and with the ground crew is vital to the success of extended space missions. Dr. Joseph Brady is developing a multi-person simulation in computer-generated environments to analyze psychosocial interactions, looking at the effects of selection, training, and experience within and between group members. This model will help ensure optimal performance in space and on ground-based activities.

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]]> Optimizing Light for Long-Duration Space Exploration http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-for-long-duration-space-exploration/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-for-long-duration-space-exploration/ During a space mission, sleep and biological rhythm disruption can reduce crew performance and safety. A countermeasure to these disruptions is light, which plays a key role in many different aspects of healthy human body performance – vision, alertness, hormonal regulation and control of biological rhythms. Bright white fluorescent lighting is used as a countermeasure […]

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]]> During a space mission, sleep and biological rhythm disruption can reduce crew performance and safety. A countermeasure to these disruptions is light, which plays a key role in many different aspects of healthy human body performance – vision, alertness, hormonal regulation and control of biological rhythms. Bright white fluorescent lighting is used as a countermeasure during pre-launch activities, but it has not been used in flight within a spacecraft or habitat.

Dr. George C. Brainard and his colleagues are building on previous research to determine the best wavelengths and intensities of light to reduce sleep and biological rhythm disruption during spaceflight. Brainard is studying healthy men and women to determine the countermeasure potential of solid-state light sources being considered for the International Space Station as well as vehicles and habitats being developed for future space missions. Additional studies on human volunteers will determine the potency of ambient light transmitted though the spacesuit visor during spacewalks. This research could also benefit spaceflight ground support personnel and workers in other industries such as health care, manufacturing and homeland security.

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]]> Blue Light for Enhancing Alertness in Space Missions http://nsbri.org/researches/blue-light-for-enhancing-alertness-in-space-missions/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/blue-light-for-enhancing-alertness-in-space-missions/ Astronauts must be at their best during a spaceflight. Changing shifts, extended duty hours and other factors can disrupt sleep and lead to a decrease in alertness and concentration, which could seriously impact mission safety and operations. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep […]

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]]> Astronauts must be at their best during a spaceflight. Changing shifts, extended duty hours and other factors can disrupt sleep and lead to a decrease in alertness and concentration, which could seriously impact mission safety and operations. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is leading a project to test solid-state blue light for use as a countermeasure to enhance alertness during spaceflight. Using human volunteers, Brainard will study the effectiveness of this blue, solid-state light source for possible use in the International Space Station as well as vehicles and habitats being developed for future space missions. The results could also prove beneficial to ground spaceflight personnel and workers in other industries such as medical care, manufacturing and homeland security.

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]]> Optimizing Light Spectrum for Long-Duration Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight/ Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of […]

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]]> Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of light to use to readjust biological rhythms and sleep patterns in astronauts and ground control personnel.

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]]> Optimizing Light Spectrum for Long-Duration Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight-2/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight-2/ Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of […]

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]]> Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of light to use during long-duration spaceflight to readjust biological rhythms and sleep patterns in astronauts. Based on earlier studies, Brainard will determine whether blue-enriched fluorescent light can be used to regulate circadian rhythm in the low-lighting levels common to space craft. If successful, then onboard artificial lighting systems may serve the dual purpose of maintaining circadian entrainment while providing illumination that supports vision. These data also may be used to improve space suit visors and windows used in space vehicles and habitats, and to design ideal lighting for astronauts and mission control workers during long-duration space exploration.

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]]> Autonomous Behavioral Health Countermeasures for Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/autonomous-behavioral-health-countermeasures-for-spaceflight/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:58:15 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/autonomous-behavioral-health-countermeasures-for-spaceflight/ The Virtual Space Station (VSS) is a suite of behavioral health countermeasures developed over several years with NSBRI support. The VSS includes conflict management training, depression treatment, and stress management modules. To modify and customize these behavioral health countermeasures for astronaut use, the VSS programs will be evaluated in a analog environments such as Antarctica […]

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]]> The Virtual Space Station (VSS) is a suite of behavioral health countermeasures developed over several years with NSBRI support. The VSS includes conflict management training, depression treatment, and stress management modules. To modify and customize these behavioral health countermeasures for astronaut use, the VSS programs will be evaluated in a analog environments such as Antarctica and HI-SEAS that include the elements of isolation and confinement found in long-duration spaceflight.

Additionally, an integrated behavioral health assessment will be added to the existing content to determine the need for behavioral health countermeasures and guide the astronaut user accordingly. Also, the VSS conflict resolution content will be expanded. To promote psychological well-being, the software will be modified to incorporate virtual reality (VR), including a VR-based relaxation and attention restoration system, which can provide a fully confidential, positive, immersive experience for astronauts.

The final product will offer an integrated user interface that can guide a user with minor problems to enjoyable countermeasures, such as VR relaxation, but will also have validated content to treat more severe problems such as depression.

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]]> Self-Guided Depression Treatment on Long-Duration Spaceflights http://nsbri.org/researches/self-guided-depression-treatment-on-long-duration-spaceflights/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:19 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/self-guided-depression-treatment-on-long-duration-spaceflights/ Depression can present a significant threat to long-duration space missions, and crews need the ability to recognize it and treat it effectively. In this continuation study, Dr. James A. Cartreine and colleagues are developing and evaluating a computer-based system that includes a module for the recognition and treatment of depression. It is intended for use […]

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]]> Depression can present a significant threat to long-duration space missions, and crews need the ability to recognize it and treat it effectively. In this continuation study, Dr. James A. Cartreine and colleagues are developing and evaluating a computer-based system that includes a module for the recognition and treatment of depression. It is intended for use both in preflight training and on the International Space Station. As a self-guided program, the computer-based system has strong potential for Earth benefits.

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]]> Countermeasure for Managing Interpersonal Conflicts in Space http://nsbri.org/researches/countermeasure-for-managing-interpersonal-conflicts-in-space/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:19 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/countermeasure-for-managing-interpersonal-conflicts-in-space/ Interpersonal conflicts can affect the success of an organization or team. These conflicts can also impact the operations of long-term spaceflight and jeopardize the safety of the crew. Dr. James A. Cartreine and a team of researchers are building on research from two previous projects to design and produce an interactive multi-media intervention program to […]

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]]> Interpersonal conflicts can affect the success of an organization or team. These conflicts can also impact the operations of long-term spaceflight and jeopardize the safety of the crew.

Dr. James A. Cartreine and a team of researchers are building on research from two previous projects to design and produce an interactive multi-media intervention program to assist astronauts in managing real, ongoing conflicts on long-duration missions.

A preliminary evaluation of the conflict intervention tool will be conducted with first responders – firefighters and EMS personnel – who live, train and work together.

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]]> Evaluation of Photic Countermeasures for Circadian Entrainment of Neurobehavioral Performance and Sleep-Wake Regulation Before and During Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/evaluation-of-photic-countermeasures-for-circadian-entrainment-of-neurobehavioral-performance-and-sleep-wake-regulation-before-and-during-spaceflight/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:48 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/evaluation-of-photic-countermeasures-for-circadian-entrainment-of-neurobehavioral-performance-and-sleep-wake-regulation-before-and-during-spaceflight/ Bright light is currently used to synchronize crew members’ sleep-wake schedules with variable launch times. However, bright light is unavailable during missions. Recent studies have revealed that shorter wavelength light is effective for sleep cycle phase shifting and for enhancing of alertness and performance. So Dr. Charles A. Czeisler and colleagues have shown that short-wavelength […]

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]]> Bright light is currently used to synchronize crew members’ sleep-wake schedules with variable launch times. However, bright light is unavailable during missions. Recent studies have revealed that shorter wavelength light is effective for sleep cycle phase shifting and for enhancing of alertness and performance.

So Dr. Charles A. Czeisler and colleagues have shown that short-wavelength light in the blue/green range facilitates circadian phase shifts. This project will test the efficacy of exposure to short-wavelength light for pre-launch and in-flight phase shifting. During eight-day ground-based simulations, researchers will shift participants’ sleep-wake schedules by eight hours. Participants will randomly be placed in groups that receive exposure to either ordinary indoor white light or green light. Participants in each lighting category will be randomly selected to experience either a “gradual” shift or a “slam” shift.

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