Indicators of cosmonaut locomotor functions stability: A new method for ground-reaction forces analysis

The paper introduces a new method for ground-reaction forces (GRF) analysis for the evaluation of cosmonaut locomotor functions stability after a long-duration spaceflight (LDSF). The method is based on the analysis of GRF profiles obtained before and after LDSF by standard (sic)-2 treadmill reaction force data readings. Following probabilistic indicators were introduced: distributions of step and step-phase duration probabilities, their extremums, standard deviations and inverse coefficients of variety; step structure variability; the non-stationarity index for step durations arrays; GRF pattern, its width and maximum. Every indicator of one cosmonaut pilot study has changed drastically after LDSF. The new statistics provided appeared to be promising indicators of locomotor function state. A further trial of the new method may provide new knowledge of human movement strategies alterations after LDSF and may establish it as a standard analytical procedure for personalized flight assistance after its reliability verification.

Automated summary

The paper introduces a new method for evaluating the stability of cosmonaut locomotor functions after long-duration spaceflight based on ground-reaction forces analysis. Various probabilistic indicators were introduced and showed promising potential in determining locomotor function states. Further trials of this method may provide valuable insights into human movement alterations after spaceflight.