The Effects of Training on Anxiety and Task Performance in Simulated Suborbital Spaceflight.

INTRODUCTION: In commercial spaceflight, anxiety could become mission-impacting, causing negative experiences or endangering the flight itself. We studied layperson response to four varied-length training programs (ranging from 1 h-2 d of preparation) prior to centrifuge simulation of launch and re-entry acceleration profiles expected during suborbital spaceflight. We examined subject task execution, evaluating performance in high-stress conditions. We sought to identify any trends in demographics, hemodynamics, or similar factors in subjects with the highest anxiety or poorest tolerance of the experience. METHODS: Volunteers participated in one of four centrifuge training programs of varied complexity and duration, culminating in two simulated suborbital spaceflights. At most, subjects underwent seven centrifuge runs over 2 d, including two +Gz runs (peak +3.5 Gz, Run 2) and two +Gx runs (peak +6.0 Gx, Run 4) followed by three runs approximating suborbital spaceflight profiles (combined +Gx and +Gz, peak +6.0 Gx and +4.0 Gz). Two cohorts also received dedicated anxiety-mitigation training. Subjects were evaluated on their performance on various tasks, including a simulated emergency. RESULTS: Participating in 2-7 centrifuge exposures were 148 subjects (105 men, 43 women, age range 19-72 yr, mean 39.4 ± 13.2 yr, body mass index range 17.3-38.1, mean 25.1 ± 3.7). There were 10 subjects who withdrew or limited their G exposure; history of motion sickness was associated with opting out. Shorter length training programs were associated with elevated hemodynamic responses. Single-directional G training did not significantly improve tolerance. DISCUSSION: Training programs appear best when high fidelity and sequential exposures may improve tolerance of physical/psychological flight stressors. The studied variables did not predict anxiety-related responses to these centrifuge profiles.Blue RS, Bonato F, Seaton K, Bubka A, Vardiman JL, Mathers C, Castleberry TL, Vanderploeg JM. The effects of training on anxiety and task performance in simulated suborbital spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(7):641-650.

Outcome measure to assess head-down bed rest subject performance.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to develop an objective outcome measure to assess the performance of head-down bed rest subjects. The rationale behind the development was that the current outcome measure is subjective and dependent upon how much the clinical psychologist knows about subject behaviors during the study to rate them accurately. METHODS: The behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) were developed through the use of the critical incident technique, along with traditional BARS development procedures, and the use of focus groups. RESULTS: Use of these methodologies yielded 86 usable critical incidents, which were used as anchors for the scales. DISCUSSION: Further research will be necessary to determine whether or not associations exist between data from the BARS and psychological screening data.

Behavioral and psychological issues in long-duration head-down bed rest.

INTRODUCTION: This report is one of a series on the Flight Analogs Project, which is designed to lay the groundwork for a standard bed rest protocol. Behavioral health services, similar to those offered to the U.S. astronauts who undertake 6-mo missions onboard the International Space Station, were provided to 13 long-duration head-down bed rest participants. Long-duration missions pose unique challenges and stressors, including separation from primary support group, monotonous environment, and loss of privacy and autonomy. METHODS: The psychological services team, consisting of a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a master's level psychological support scientist, provided behavioral health services throughout all phases of the Flight Analogs Project (FAP) long-duration head-down bed rest study. During the initial screening phase, potential candidates completed 4 h of psychological testing and a 1.5-h clinical interview with a psychologist to assess their psychological fitness and ability to complete the study successfully. Additionally, the psychological services team provided pre-admission trainings on time management, stress management, and communication skills and conflict resolution. Throughout their stay on the research unit, study participants received regular individual and group visits from the psychological services team. Training was also provided to study personnel to address personality and behavioral management challenges. RESULTS: Psychological support and training provided to both subjects and study personnel have successfully improved the well being of study participants. DISCUSSION: Behavioral health services are indispensable to long-duration head-down bed rest studies.

Cognitive functioning in long-duration head-down bed rest.

INTRODUCTION: This report is one of a series on the Flight Analog Project, which is designed to lay the groundwork for a standard bed rest protocol. The Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) is a self-administered battery of tests used on the International Space Station for evaluating cognitive functioning. Here, WinSCAT was used to assess cognitive functioning during extended head-down bed rest. METHODS: There were 13 subjects who participated in 60 or 90 d of head-down bed rest and took WinSCAT during the pre-bed rest phase, the in-bed rest phase, and the post-bed rest (reconditioning) phase of study participation. RESULTS: After adjusting for individual baseline performance, 12 off-nominal scores were observed out of 351 total observations during bed rest and 7 of 180 during reconditioning. No evidence was found for systematic changes in off-nominal incidence as time in bed rest progressed, or during the reconditioning period. DISCUSSION: Cognitive functioning does not appear to be adversely affected by long-duration head-down bed rest. Individual differences in underlying cognitive ability and motivation level are likely explanations for the current findings.

Artificial gravity as a multi-system countermeasure: effects on cognitive function.

The Space Flight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) is used on the International Space Station to evaluate cognitive functioning after physical insult or trauma. The current study uses WinSCAT to assess cognitive functioning in a space flight analog (bed rest) environment where intermittent artificial gravity (AG) is being tested as a countermeasure. Fifteen male subjects (8 treatment, 7 control), who participated in 21 days of 6 degree head-down tilt bed rest, were assessed during the acclimatization phase, bed rest phase, and recovery phase. Individual differences were found within both the treatment and control groups. The treatment group accounted for more off-nominal WinSCAT scores than the control group. The length of time spent in bed rest was not associated with a change in cognitive function. Individual differences in underlying cognitive ability and motivation level are other possible explanations for the current findings.

The University of California, San Francisco Family Alcoholism Study. I. Design, methods, and demographics.

BACKGROUND: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Family Alcoholism Study is a project designed to identify genetic loci that influence susceptibility to alcohol dependence and related phenotypes. Evidence supports a substantial genetic contribution to alcoholism susceptibility. However, the genetic epidemiology of alcoholism is complex, and its clinical manifestation is heterogeneous, making phenotype definition and demonstration of linkage difficult. Despite these challenges, some progress has been made toward identifying genes. METHODS: The UCSF Family Alcoholism Study used a small family design, focusing primarily on sibling pairs and parent-child trios for linkage and association studies. Alcoholism-related phenotypes were assessed through interview and self-report questionnaires, with a focus on unidimensional and subphenotypical traits. Data-driven approaches to determining the most promising phenotypes for genetic analysis are being used. Both genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches were used. RESULTS: The study enrolled 2154 individuals from 970 families from December 1995 through January 2003. Test-retest and interrater reliability for clinical data are very good, and power estimates suggest that this study will have adequate power by linkage analysis to detect loci with moderate effects. Design, methods, and sample demographics of the UCSF Family Study are presented, along with intrafamilial correlations for primary diagnostic phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Plans for genetic analysis, novel approaches to phenotype refinement, and the implications of ascertainment bias for heritability estimates are discussed.

Effective strategies for recruiting families ascertained through alcoholic probands.

BACKGROUND: Recruiting a large number of participants meeting strict inclusion criteria can be challenging, particularly when selecting for a condition associated with a social stigma such as alcoholism, when participation involves collection of medical specimens and sensitive information, and when the participation of family members or other collaterals is required. Developing and implementing a successful recruitment plan depends upon identifying the most effective recruitment strategies given the available resources. METHODS: Several strategies for recruiting subjects for a large family study on the genetics of alcoholism were evaluated over a two-year period with regard to participant yield, time and cost expenditure. RESULTS: Overall effectiveness of a recruitment strategy was determined based on a composite of yield, cost and time expenditure. The most effective recruitment strategies were direct mail, press release, the Internet and treatment center collaborations. CONCLUSION: Results provide insight into successful strategies for recruiting large numbers of participants and their family members selected for a condition associated with a social stigma.