Work capability during isolation.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of prolonged isolation on the higher psychic functions, such as working memory, attention concentration, and intellect (problem solving and decision making), and on sensory-motor skills and stress resistance. Previous Soviet simulation studies and the ISEMSI isolation experiment have indicated that prolonged isolation can affect higher psychic functions. Analysis of the chamber crew's work capability as a function of time showed the occurrence of three distinct periods of adaptation: (1) a period of acute adaptation in week 1, (2) a period of stable adaptation during weeks 3-6, and (3) a period of “final effort” in weeks 8-9. While in general the effect of isolation on the absolute scores was minor, larger ranges for the scores in “working memory,” “attention concentration,” and “calculation under time deficit” tests are an indication of increased instability, probably because stress resistance.