Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Investigations of a simulated geomagnetic field experienced by the international space station on attentional performance med./bio.

By: Del Seppia C, Mezzasalma L, Messerotti M, Cordelli A, Ghione S

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30 (1): 45-51

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To test whether the exposure to a magnetic field simulating the one encountered by the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting around the earth may affect cognitive functions.

Background/further details

12 healthy men were exposed to the simulated magnetic field and another 12 were sham-exposed to the natural geomagnetic field. The simulation was simplified when compared with the real conditions to which astronauts are exposed; e.g. the duartion of exposure was shorter and only the head was exposed. Each participant underwent a 90-min session. In the first 30 minutes they solved a crossword, then they viewed a series of emotional pictures (15 minutes) and the last 45 minutes they performed attention tests.

Endpoint

cognitive/behavioral endpoints: attention

Exposure

- 0 Hz
- geomagnetic field

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: geomagnetic Exposure duration: continuous for 90 min	magnetic flux density: 20 µT minimum magnetic flux density: 50 µT maximum

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	geomagnetic
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 90 min

Exposure setup

Exposure source	Helmholtz coils
Setup	pair of horizontal Helmholtz coils around the test person's head; coils with a diameter of 35 cm, consisting of 100 turns of 0.8 mm copper wire wound around an aluminum ring
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	20 µT	minimum	measured	-	-
magnetic flux density	50 µT	maximum	measured	-	-

Exposed system:

human
partial body: head

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

cognitive/behavioral endpoints: attention (evaluation of reaction time for alterness, working memory, divided attention, go/Nogo (reaction to critical targets vs. inhibition of non-critical targets), spatial incompatibility, covert shift of attention, vigilance, visual scanning: TAP = Test for Attentional Performance/ computerized test battery to evaluate attentional performance)

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

brain/CNS

Time of investigation:

during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

There was no significant difference between the sham-exposed and the exposed group, except for a trend for the alertness test indicating faster reaction times under magnetic field exposure.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
double blind study

Study funded by

Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, ASI), Italy

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