NOTE: End date is now 12/31/2017 per K. Ohnesorge/JSC HRP (Ed., 3/9/17)

NOTE: Element change to Human Factors & Behavioral Performance; previously Behavioral Health & Performance (Ed., 1/18/17)

NOTE: End date is now 3/31/2017 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/5/14)

NOTE: End date is now 7/31/2014 per PI (Ed., 5/3/2013)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

Our initial Reaction Self Test study evaluated 24 astronauts, before, during, and after 6-month missions on the International Space Station (ISS). A total of 2,856 RST evaluations were obtained from 21 astronauts participating in 6-month ISS missions.

To determine whether there were continuing changes in Reaction Self Test outcomes for ISS missions greater than 6-month duration, a study was conducted on the RST outcomes of N=2 participants in the initial 1-year mission (i.e., one US astronaut and one Russian cosmonaut). The following are the objectives (specific aims) of the project for the 1-year mission. The US astronaut and Russian cosmonaut were evaluated within the 1-year mission, and relative to data from the N=21 astronauts in 6-month missions.

1) Evaluate whether there were changes in sleep duration and/or sleep quality within the 1-year mission (i.e., first 6 months compared to the second 6 months of the 1-year mission), and differences in these outcomes between the 1-year and 6-month missions.

2) Evaluate whether there were changes in psychomotor speed, performance lapses, and premature responses on the Brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-B) within the 1-year mission (i.e., first 6 months compared to the second 6 months of the 1-year mission), and differences in these outcomes between the 1-year and 6-month missions.

3) Evaluate whether there were changes in subjective ratings of sleepiness, fatigue, tiredness, physical exhaustion, workload, and stress within the 1-year mission (i.e., first 6 months compared to the second 6 months of the 1-year mission), and differences in these outcomes between the 1-year and 6-month missions.

4) To investigate changes in the intake of caffeine and medications within the 1-year mission (i.e., first 6 months compared to the second 6 months of the 1-year mission), and differences in these outcomes between the 1-year and 6-month missions.

The Reaction Self Test is a 3-minute PVT Self Test that contains special timing and algorithm characteristics and that has been validated against the 10-minute PVT. The 3-minute Reaction Self Test will have utility in a wide array of safety-sensitive environments on Earth. Potentially any occupation in which alertness and fatigue management are essential to prevent errors on critical tasks will benefit from adaptations of the PVT SelfTest technology (e.g., certain military personnel, airport security screeners, physicians on night shifts and prolonged call).

Astronaut Y had no significant changes from the first 6 months to the second 6 months in the following in-flight VAS scales: Time in Bed (TIB), Total Sleep Time (TST), Poor Sleep Quality, Sleepiness, Tiredness, Fatigue, Physical Exhaustion, and Workload. Astronaut Y did, however, have a significant increase in subjective Stress ratings from the first 6 months to the second 6 months in-flight.

Relative to PVT-B performance, Astronaut Y had no significant changes from the first to the second 6 months of the 1-year mission in PVT Response Speed or PVT Premature Responses. However, Astronaut Y did have significantly more PVT Lapses in the second 6 months of the mission. Moreover, Astronaut Y had significantly more PVT Lapses in both six month periods of the 1-year mission relative to the N=21 astronauts who undertook 6-month ISS missions. Therefore, Astronaut Y had a lower overall PVT-B Performance Score than the N=21 astronauts from the 6-month mission.

Astronaut Z had no significant changes from the first 6 months to the second 6 months in the following in-flight VAS scales: TST, Poor Sleep Quality, Tiredness, and Fatigue. Astronaut Z did, however, have a significant decrease in TIB, increase in Sleepiness, increase in Physical Exhaustion, decrease in Stress, increase in Workload, and decrease in Caffeine Consumption in the second 6 months relative to the first 6 months.

Relative to PVT-B Performance, Astronaut Z had no significant changes from the first 6 months to the second 6 months of the 1-year mission in PVT Response Speed or PVT Premature Responses. However, Astronaut Z did have significantly less PVT Premature Responses in the second 6 months of the mission. Therefore, Astronaut Z had a significant increase in PVT Performance Score in the second 6 months relative to the first 6 months of the mission. The PVT-B Performance Score of Astronaut Y was more adversely affected by Slam shifts during the first 6 months of the mission than was PVT-B Performance of Astronaut Z.

NOTE: End date is now 12/31/2017 per K. Ohnesorge/JSC HRP (Ed., 3/9/17)

NOTE: Element change to Human Factors & Behavioral Performance; previously Behavioral Health & Performance (Ed., 1/18/17)

NOTE: End date is now 3/31/2017 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/5/14)

NOTE: End date is now 7/31/2014 per PI (Ed., 5/3/2013)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

The ultimate goal of the Reaction Self Test project is to validate the sensitivity of the PVT Self Test on astronauts on ISS so they can use it to objectively identify when their performance capability is degraded by various fatigue-related conditions that can occur as a result of ISS operations and time in space. The following are the objectives (specific aims) of the project:

1) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from sleep loss and circadian disruption during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extended wake duration above 16 hours; ii) sleep restriction defined as total sleep time >0 and <6 hours per 24-hour period; and iii) circadian perturbation associated with night work and slam shifting.

2) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from work intensity during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extend work durations up to 16 hours per day; ii) more than 6 consecutive work days without a day off for rest; and iii) work requiring extravehicular activity (EVA).

3) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts declines with time in mission.

4) To explore the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts will be sensitive to the carry-over effects of medications for sleep on ISS.

5) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance feedback (via a graphical interface) is perceived by ISS astronauts as a useful tool for assessing performance capability.

The Reaction Self Test is a 3-minute PVT Self Test that contains special timing and algorithm characteristics and that has been validated against the 10-minute PVT. The 3-minute Reaction Self Test will have utility in a wide array of safety-sensitive environments on Earth. Potentially any occupation in which alertness and fatigue management are essential to prevent errors on critical tasks will benefit from adaptations of the PVT SelfTest technology (e.g., certain military personnel, airport security screeners, physicians on night shifts and prolonged call).

Data acquisition in the 1-year ISS mission subjects concluded with the last post-flight test bout in June 2016. Overall, 9 test bouts were collected pre-flight, 158 test bouts were collected in flight, and 6 bouts were collected post-flight for a total of 173 test bouts. Data analyses of the 1-year mission data is near completion and the final report is being prepared. Preliminary results were reported at a 1-Year Mission Investigator Working Group Meeting on March 28, 2017 at USRA (Universities Space Research Association) in Houston, TX.

NOTE: End date is now 12/31/2017 per K. Ohnesorge/JSC HRP (Ed., 3/9/17)

NOTE: Element change to Human Factors & Behavioral Performance; previously Behavioral Health & Performance (Ed., 1/18/17)

NOTE: End date is now 3/31/2017 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/5/14)

NOTE: End date is now 7/31/2014 per PI (Ed., 5/3/2013)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

The ultimate goal of the Reaction Self Test project is to validate the sensitivity of the PVT Self Test on astronauts on ISS so they can use it to objectively identify when their performance capability is degraded by various fatigue-related conditions that can occur as a result of ISS operations and time in space. The following are the objectives (specific aims) of the project:

1) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from sleep loss and circadian disruption during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extended wake duration above 16 hours; ii) sleep restriction defined as total sleep time >0 and <6 hours per 24-hour period; and iii) circadian perturbation associated with night work and slam shifting.

2) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from work intensity during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extend work durations up to 16 hours per day; ii) more than 6 consecutive work days without a day off for rest; and iii) work requiring extravehicular activity (EVA).

3) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts declines with time in mission.

4) To explore the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts will be sensitive to the carry-over effects of medications for sleep on ISS.

5) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance feedback (via a graphical interface) is perceived by ISS astronauts as a useful tool for assessing performance capability.

The Reaction Self Test is a 3-minute PVT Self Test that contains special timing and algorithm characteristics and that has been validated against the 10-minute PVT. The 3-minute Reaction Self Test will have utility in a wide array of safety-sensitive environments on Earth. Potentially any occupation in which alertness and fatigue management are essential to prevent errors on critical tasks will benefit from adaptations of the PVT SelfTest technology (e.g., certain military personnel, airport security screeners, physicians on night shifts and prolonged call).

NOTE: End date is now 3/31/2017 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/5/14)

NOTE: End date is now 7/31/2014 per PI (Ed., 5/3/2013)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

The ultimate goal of the Reaction Self Test project is to validate the sensitivity of the PVT Self Test on astronauts on ISS so they can use it to objectively identify when their performance capability is degraded by various fatigue-related conditions that can occur as a result of ISS operations and time in space. The following are the objectives (specific aims) of the project:

1) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from sleep loss and circadian disruption during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extended wake duration above 16 hours; ii) sleep restriction defined as total sleep time >0 and <6 hours per 24-hour period; and iii) circadian perturbation associated with night work and slam shifting.

2) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from work intensity during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extend work durations up to 16 hours per day; ii) more than 6 consecutive work days without a day off for rest; and iii) work requiring extravehicular activity (EVA).

3) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts declines with time in mission.

4) To explore the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts will be sensitive to the carry-over effects of medications for sleep on ISS.

5) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance feedback (via a graphical interface) is perceived by ISS astronauts as a useful tool for assessing performance capability.

The Reaction Self Test is a 3-minute PVT Self Test that contains special timing and algorithm characteristics and that has been validated against the 10-minute PVT. The 3-minute Reaction Self Test will have utility in a wide array of safety-sensitive environments on Earth. Potentially any occupation in which alertness and fatigue management are essential to prevent errors on critical tasks will benefit from adaptations of the PVT SelfTest technology (e.g., certain military personnel, airport security screeners, physicians on night shifts and prolonged call).

Pulsar Informatics, Inc. has established a quality control process that extracts the data of every PVT SelfTest bout immediately after it was downloaded to allow plausibility and compliance checks. Momentarily, Pulsar Informatics, Inc. generates graphs for each individual astronaut containing information on PVT performance, scheduled and self-reported sleep times, critical mission events, and self-reported measures (like perceived stress levels and workload). These graphs are used for astronaut debriefs.

We have made several changes to the Reaction SelfTest software based on astronaut feedback during debriefs. We designed changes to the user interface to ease the burden of data entry, with updates to functionality such as sliding scales and drop down menus. We also modified the questionnaires in the software to exclude questions that astronauts felt were extraneous.

NOTE: End date is now 3/31/2017 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/5/14)

NOTE: End date is now 7/31/2014 per PI (Ed., 5/3/2013)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

The ultimate goal of the Reaction Self Test project is to validate the sensitivity of the PVT Self Test on astronauts on ISS so they can use it to objectively identify when their performance capability is degraded by various fatigue-related conditions that can occur as a result of ISS operations and time in space. The following are the objectives (specific aims) of the project:

1) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from sleep loss and circadian disruption during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extended wake duration above 16 hours; ii) sleep restriction defined as total sleep time >0 and <6 hours per 24-hour period; and iii) circadian perturbation associated with night work and slam shifting.

2) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts is sensitive to fatigue from work intensity during ISS missions. This will include the following conditions evaluated individually and in aggregate: i) extend work durations up to 16 hours per day; ii) more than 6 consecutive work days without a day off for rest; and iii) work requiring extravehicular activity (EVA).

3) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts declines with time in mission.

4) To explore the extent to which PVT Self Test performance of astronauts will be sensitive to the carry-over effects of medications for sleep on ISS.

5) To evaluate the extent to which PVT Self Test performance feedback (via a graphical interface) is perceived by ISS astronauts as a useful tool for assessing performance capability.

The Reaction Self Test is a 3-minute PVT Self Test that contains special timing and algorithm characteristics and that has been validated against the 10-minute PVT. The 3-minute Reaction Self Test will have utility in a wide array of safety-sensitive environments on Earth. Potentially any occupation in which alertness and fatigue management are essential to prevent errors on critical tasks will benefit from adaptations of the PVT SelfTest technology (e.g., certain military personnel, airport security screeners, physicians on night shifts and prolonged call).

Preliminary results were shown to Dr. Mark Shelhamer (NASA) at his request to supply evidence for the need of longer duration missions on ISS (i.e., 1 year mission) to study the dynamic behavioral changes of astronauts living and working on ISS. The PI gave permission to Dr. Shelhamer to present preliminary data at the Aerospace Medicine conference. Additionally, preliminary results were also shown to Dr. Lauren Leveton (NASA Behavioral Health & Performance Element).

NOTE: End date is now 3/31/2017 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/5/14)

NOTE: End date is now 7/31/2014 per PI (Ed., 5/3/2013)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

Pulsar Informatics, Inc. has established a quality control process that extracts the data of every PVT SelfTest bout immediately after it was downloaded to allow plausibility and compliance checks. Momentarily, Pulsar Informatics, Inc. generates graphs for each individual astronauts containing information on PVT performance, scheduled and self-reported sleep times, critical mission events, and self-reported measures (like perceived stress levels and workload). These graphs are used for astronaut de-briefs.

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

The PVT SelfTest (Reaction Self Test) will have utility in a wide array of safety-sensitive environments on Earth. Potentially any occupation in which alertness and fatigue management are essential to prevent errors on critical tasks will benefit from adaptations of the PVT SelfTest technology (e.g., certain military personnel, airport security screeners, physicians on night shifts and prolonged call, etc.).

To complete the user interface, a series of PVT Self Test interface prototypes were developed to rapidly evaluate design choices for the SelfTest feedback screens and user input. At each iterative design step, prototypes were presented to astronauts that participated in NEEMO 9, 12, 13 (N=6 astronauts participated in the design process). A beta version of the PVT SelfTest was developed with a full user interface and PVT metrics analysis algorithm. Unit-level system requirements testing of the user interface and PVT metrics analysis algorithm was conducted using a comprehensive test plan to verify that input/output data matched specified expected functionality. We completed the ISS Display and Graphics Commonality Standard (IDGCS) and the Payload Display Review Team (PDRT) review process that included multiple interface design iterations and documentation (approved 8 April 2009). We completed and received approval for the Version Description Document (VDD) that specifies software components as well as installation, configuration, operation, maintenance, update, and removal procedures (approved 16 March 2009).

Comprehensive whole-system verification of the PVT SelfTest was performed by using an ISSMP IBM A31P laptop (replica of HRF laptop). The replica computer contained the same hardware and operating system build as the operational version on the ISS. Verification tests were performed according to a test plan containing tasks which will exercise the limits of performance of the PVT SelfTest software. The PVT Self Test software uses precise timing measurements in the response time measurement algorithm. Calibration of the system timing was conducted on the HRF replica to ensure timing precision. Additional testing conducted by NASA and ISSMP of the PVT SelfTest software on HRF and SSC computer systems resulted in additional iterations of the PVT SelfTest Software.

We made Informed Consent Briefing (ICB) presentations to N=10 astronauts. Informed consent was provided by 6 astronauts and 4 consent forms are still pending as of this report submission. We provided Baseline Data Collection (BDC) familiarization sessions with 6 astronauts on the specific procedures to use the PVT SelfTest. We began baseline data acquisition on 6 astronauts.

NOTE: start/end dates changed per J. Dardano/JSC --previously 4/30/2008-8/31/2013 (4/16/2009)

See also http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experiments/Reaction_Self_Test.html