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Experiment/Payload OverviewThe Eye Movements and Motion Perception Induced By Off-Axis Rotation at Small Angles of Tilt After Spaceflight (OVAR) study allows for better understanding of normal balance and suggest causes for abnormal balance after space flight.
Principal Investigator
Information Pending
Payload Developer
French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Toulouse, , France
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Sponsoring Organization:French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Toulouse, France
ISS Expedition Duration:October 2004 - October 2005
10, 11
Previous ISS MissionsAs a DSO, OVAR was performed on crewmembers during ISS Increments 10 and 11.
The Eye Movements and Motion Perception Induced By Off-Axis Rotation at Small Angles of Tilt After Spaceflight (OVAR) is a Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO). A DSO is a medical investigation supplementary to the primary investigation performed voluntarily by the crewmembers. DSOs are designed to require minimal crew time, power and stowage; and are focused on studying adaptation to microgravity.
The objective of OVAR is to assess the changes in otolith (small particles found in the inner ear which aid in balance) information processing following adaptation to microgravity by comparing eye movements and the process of the brain by which we understand and interpret the information we receive through the eyes before and after space flight.
The inner ear contains two balance-sensing organs; the semicircular canals (fluid-filled tubes located inside of the ear that control balance) which sense rotation, and the otoliths which sense both translation and position of the head relative to gravity. During rotation at a constant velocity (speed of an object in a certain direction) about an axis (the center around which something rotates) tilted relative to gravity, only the otolith organs are stimulated by the change in head position relative to gravity. Movements of the eye during OVAR will accurately reflect processing of the otolith signals by the brain.
This study will allow for better understanding of normal balance and suggest causes for abnormal balance related to microgravity exposure. In particular, space flight will provide knowledge and understanding of the vestibular system (sensory system that contributes to balance and sense of orientation), which is one of the systems most affected by gravity.
Earth ApplicationsThis study will allow for better understanding of normal balance and suggest causes for abnormal balance in patients on Earth. If OVAR, associated with a 3-D eye movement measuring system, proves that reliable information about otolith organs can be obtained, then this test has obvious clinical value to assess vestibular disorders.
OVAR has no inflight requirements.
Operational ProtocolsEye movements and motion perception will be recorded during OVAR clockwise and counterclockwise at various angles and speeds. Three preflight sessions will occur at three, two, and one month before launch; followed by five sessions postflight on landing day, R+1, R+2, R+4, and R+8 days.
Information Pending