The effect of scopolamine on mental performance during microgravity simulation [Abstract in English]

Objective: The optimization of mental performance and the minimization of errors can save lives and reduce the costs of a space mission. Cognition was evaluated by means of a psychological test, the Manikin Test, under the effect of scopolamine, a drug widely used to prevent or minimize the symptomatology of Space Motion Sickness, during microgravity simulation. Methods: 6o HDT (head-down tilt) was used to simulate some of the effects of microgravity. A double-blind and randomized study evaluated the effect of 0.45 mg of Scopolamine on mental performance during microgravity simulation (n = 15). Results: Scopolamine failed to decrease mental performance during microgravity simulation when measured by means of a psychological test. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to better clarify the interaction between Scopolamine and HDT, which will allow the development of a more effective way to prevent or to minimize the symptomatology related to space motion sickness. KEY WORDS: MENTAL PERFORMANCE, SCOPOLAMINE, MICROGRAVITY, 6o HEAD-DOWN TILT, SPACE MOTION SICKNESS.