QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS OF MOTION CONTROL IN LONG-TERM MU-GRAVITY

In the frame of the 179-days EUROMIR '95 space mission, two in-flight experiments have foreseen quantitative three-dimensional human movemen t analysis in mu gravity. For this aim, a space qualified opto-electro nic motion analyser based on passive markers has been installed onboar d the Russian Space Station MIR and 8 in flight sessions have been per formed. Technology and method for the collection of kinematics data ar e described, evaluating the accuracy in three-dimensional marker local isation. Results confirm the suitability of opto-electronic technology for quantitative human motion analysis on orbital modules and raise a set of ''lessons learned'', Leading to the improvement of motion anal yser performance with a contemporary swiftness of the on-board operati ons. Among the experimental program of T4, results of three voluntary posture perturbation protocols are described. The analysis suggests th at a short term reinterpretation of proprioceptive information and re- calibration of sensorimotor mechanisms seem to end within the first we eks of flight, while a continuos long term adaptation process allows t he refinement of motor performance, in the frame of never abandoned te rrestrial strategies (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. AII rights reserve d.