Assessing Vestibulo-ocular Function and Spatial Orientation in Parabolic Flight

Exposure to novel gravitational environments elicits alterations in sensorimotor responses, such as changes in coordinated head-and-eye movements and variations in spatial perception and memory. Functional consequences include an impaired ability to read, disorientation, dizziness, postural and locomotor disturbances, and motion sickness. Thus, it would be advantageous to design a technology that can quickly and effectively assess sensorimotor function. This study consists of an engineering evaluation in parabolic flight of two novel technologies, one that quantifies vestibulo-ocular function without eye movement recording, and another that estimates an individual’s ability to accurately perceive and report his or her orientation in space. Both technologies incorporate the same portable device that requires little computational power and is simple to use.

Paper (2017): A rapid quantification of binocular misalignment without recording eye movements: Vertical and torsional alignment nulling

Paper (2015): Binocular misalignments elicited by altered gravity provide evidence for nonlinear central compensation

As defined by the NASA Human Research Program: there is a need for “a new, innovative, hand-held smart-device requiring minimal power and mass for assessment and rehabilitation of crewmembers on lunar and Mars surfaces.”
Potential users: NASA astronauts, flight surgeons. Others requiring sensorimotor assessment in the field.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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