Mind and movement: Human performance in altered gravity

14:30 - 16:00
Speaker
Affiliations

Constance Badalì

Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Date

Jun 26, 2026

Abstract

Future space missions will challenge the human nervous system in unprecedented ways. Astronauts must continuously perceive, decide, and move while operating under stress, isolation, and altered gravitational conditions. These demands rely on neurocognitive and neuromuscular processes that together determine human performance and operational safety. Understanding how neural resources are allocated and how the brain and body adapt to environmental constraints is therefore essential for sustaining human capabilities during long-duration exploration missions and for developing effective countermeasures. My research integrates cognitive neuroscience and neuromechanics to investigate the mechanisms underlying adaptive human performance across altered gravity and isolated environments.

Using behavioural measures and neurophysiological techniques, I examine how stress, workload, and task structure influence cognitive resource allocation during dual-task performance. Findings from parabolic flight and isolation studies demonstrate that demanding continuous tasks can limit the processing of secondary information, particularly in microgravity, highlighting the importance of efficient workload management and task design in high-risk operational settings.

In parallel, my work explores the neuromechanical adaptations underlying human movements in altered gravity environments. By combining assessments of cortical activity, muscle function, and functional performance, I investigate how prolonged unloading and reduced gravity influence sensorimotor control and neuromuscular function. This research aims to identify the mechanisms responsible for maintaining mobility during future lunar exploration missions and to support the development of targeted countermeasures and rehabilitation strategies.

Together, these studies contribute to a broader understanding of how the human nervous system adapts to environmental constraints and provide insights that are relevant not only for human spaceflight, but also for terrestrial applications in occupational performance and neurorehabilitation.