The effect of scopolamine on mental performance during microgravity simulation <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

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.