Reducing Symptomatology of Space Adaptation Syndrome through Perceptual Training

The ?space adaptation syndrome? develops in conditions in which nauseogenic stimuli are present for a long period. The perceptual situation of an astronaut exposed to unusual gravitational-inertial forces has been compared to that found in experiments involving perceptual rearrangement, such as optically induced displacement, curvature, tilt, or right-left reversal. In both instances, the observer is confronted with a variety of inter- and intra-sensory conflicts that initially disrupt perception and behavior and may cause nausea. However, people are able to adapt to these imposed conflicts, as manifested in a reduction or elimination of the initial disruptive responses. Overcoming motion sickness and regaining normal perception may involve many of the same processes as adaptation to perceptual rearrangement in general. Our Phase I research demonstrated that adaptation training is beneficial as it reduces dizziness and motion sickness symptoms experienced in both VR and OKN environments. In Phase II research, we propose to run studies to test further the effects of adaptation training on sickness by inducing motion sickness in a VR device with an added ?reafference? component. Phase II research will also involve refining and replicating Phase I findings, broadening the aftereffect conditions to which adaptation applies (sickness, posture, eye hand coordination, changes)