Abstract

In microgravity, the proprioceptive system undergoes adaptations due to the lack of constant gravitational cues. Photo-video evidence and informal accounts of microgravity exposures demonstrate a shift in the quality of movements and the self-awareness of one’s body. We have designed a conceptual framework to investigate this shift and to document the effects of the microgravity environment on the proprioceptive system, which will be validated with a wearable sensor system garment user-tested by a participant on an upcoming parabolic flight.

We present the conceptual framework designed to investigate and quantify proprioceptive adaptation through the metric of fluidity, a concept drawn from ballet and dance. While fluidity is an artistic quality of movement, it can also be quantitatively measured through biomechanical properties, such as smoothness.

Providing a framework for understanding proprioceptive adaptation to
microgravity through an artistic lens will enable a deeper understanding of human response and the aspects of spacecraft design that will interact positively with future space travelers. Experiencing microgravity in space or during parabolic flight is a uniquely formative experience only afforded to a small fraction of Earth’s population. Through presenting an aspect of what microgravity can
feel like with quantitative data and written reflections, we can provide relatability and accessibility to spaceflight.

This paper covers the approach to quantifying a facet of the microgravity experience using a wearable sensor system, proposes the fluidity framework of understanding proprioceptive adaptations through an artistic lens, and explores the value of evaluating bioastronautical engineering problems through a transdisciplinary context.