LE3 .A278 2021

2021

Murphy, René
Mekary, Saïd

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

In the existing research, the impact of simulated microgravity on the cardiovascular system responses is very conclusive, with almost all research indicating a noticeable decline in functionality from baseline. However, there has been very little research on the impact that this same environment might have on cognition and executive function; with the limited research that has been conducted proving inconclusive whether there is no change or a possible small improvement in performance. It is known that when exposed to microgravity there is a fluid redistribution towards the cephalad (i.e. cranial) region, which in turn could possibly increase the blood volume being carried to this area of the brain. Traditionally, the protocol for the head down face up (HDFU) bed rest model places the participant supine (positioned at a -60tilt) on a flat surface with their hands to their side. The present thesis literature review looks to determine the current research that has taken place in this field, by examining the following areas; microgravity, fluid dynamics in the body, head-down face-up bed rest model, cerebral oxygenation, cognition and executive functioning, and cognition and executive functioning in microgravity. Although the HDFU model is known to be effective in mimicking acute microgravity for cardiovascular responses the next chapter, formatted as a journal article, looks to provide preliminary data on what the impact of rotating the participant to a head down face down (HDFD) position could have of the following physiological changes: blood pressure and heart rate, urinespecific gravity and pH, prefrontal cerebral oxygenation, facial puffing, and cognition assessed using a computerized Stroop task.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3593