We will develop an integrated test of postural control, oculomotor control and dynamic visual acuity that can be applied to conditions involving whole-body perturbation that are common in aerospace operations and in the activities of daily living. Our dynamical sensorimotor assessment test (DSAT) is innovative in that (a) it can be applied under controlled laboratory conditions as well as in simulated operational conditions, (b) it is commensurate with common practices and procedures in optometry and neurology, and (c) it allows for differentiation between ophthalmic and neuromuscular causes of impaired dynamic acuity. These unique characteristics of our innovative test are relevant to Topic 08.02, Human Health Monitoring and Countermeasures, because they can enhance "understanding of the effects of microgravity and other components of the space environment on the physiological systems of the body" by allowing for standardizable quantification of visual acuity and coordination of the associated neuromuscular systems through "novel software methods for documentation, storage, retrieval, analysis and diagnosis of crew health." Moreover, by enhancing diagnostic differentiation and generality, our innovative test can support the development of "countermeasures against deleterious changes in body systems in flight or upon return to the ground [including]... post-flight reduction in neuromuscular coordination."
Potential Commercial Applications:Flightdeck controls & display design and evaluation within NASA HEDS R&D; Screen aviators for the effects of medications, the effects of environmental stressors (hyper-g, sound), the effect of fatigue, and the efficacy of training countermeasures within both DoD aviation and Commercial aviation.; Screen elderly or physically challenged drivers during DMV testing; screen commercial drivers for the effects of medications, the effects of environmental stressors(vibration, sound), and the effects of fatigue.; Supplement testing battery within ophthalmology and optometry to better determine appropriate treatments for those with challenged dynamic visual acuity.; Bundle with currently existing devices used for diagnosis or rehabilitation in the various medical specialties concerned with oculomotor control or postural control (e.g., neurology, otology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy, and geriatrics).
