The goals of the study were accomplished by making the following assessments in each analog mission. (1) Cognitive performance was assessed with three brief validated software-based cognitive performance tests (PVT Self Test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test [DSST]) and the Descending Subtraction Test [DST]), which collectively formed the Penn Neurobehavioral Test Battery (PennNTB). (2) Behavioral ratings of fatigue and stress were assessed using visual analog scale ratings of stress and fatigue (part of the PennNTB). (3) Physiological stress was assessed using salivary cortisol. (4) Feasibility of optical computer recognition (OCR) using facial videos acquired during the cognitive performance testing was assessed with computer webcams that recorded facial videos, which were subsequently evaluated by human scorers for OCR feasibility. (5) Sleep-wake patterns were assessed using wrist actigraphy and sleep logs (in NEEMO 14 only, as comparable data in DRATS was obtained by a different project and principal investigator).

Data acquisition in both analogs and for all measurement domains ranged from 84% to 89% (grand average was 86%). Penn NTB cognitive performance tests were completed on 497 test bouts out of 580 planned (86%). Visual analog scale ratings of fatigue and stress were completed for 497 assessments out of 580 planned (86%). Salivary cortisol was assayed on 410 samples out of 476 planned (86%). Facial videos for OCR feasibility were acquired in 414 test bouts out of 476 planned (87%). Days of wrist actigraphy and sleep log data were acquired on 135 out of 150 days (90.0%) in NEEMO 14. The majority of data loss (which was 9%-14%, depending on measure) was associated with operational schedule conflicts (e.g., no time available to complete measure). Less than 2% of data loss was due to technical failure.

The data acquired will add to the overall normative performance database on astronauts functioning in space analogs. Thus the data from the project contribute to the further development of norms and performance algorithms for the PVT Self Test (currently being evaluated on the International Space Station as the Reaction Self Test), and to the transition of the other two brief cognitive performance tests (Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Descending Subtraction Test) to space flight. The data also contribute to further development of optical computer recognition (OCR) for monitoring astronauts' expressions of stress, emotions and fatigue (e.g., these data acquired in the analogs provided valuable information of the technical need to ensure adequate facial lighting and screen angle).

The other two brief cognitive tests evaluated in this project - the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Descending Subtraction Test - are well validated in the laboratory to be measures of cognitive throughout (DSST) and working memory (DST), and are being used to evaluate the carry-over effects of sleep medications on astronaut performance following abrupt (emergent) awakening (study at JSC Crew Quarters, P.I. S. Johnston). These tests have potential to be useful in a range of Earth-based scenarios in which cognitive capability must be rapidly assessed (e.g., sedation, mild to moderate traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment with aging, etc.).

The automated optical computer recognition (OCR) technology being developed for objective monitoring and management of stress, negative emotional states and fatigue in space flight has applications for many Earth-based safety-sensitive occupations, such as transportation workers (e.g., truck drivers, train conductors, airline pilots); operators in safety-sensitive industries (e.g., power plant control rooms); and military personnel.

The purpose of this study is to collect cognitive performance and stress information on astronauts and mission support personnel to:

* identify periods of fatigue and identify stress during analog missions, and

* develop normative databases on fatigue and stress in analog environments for comparison to space flight.

The observational research study will test tools that measure performance and stress in crew members and mission support personnel working and living in simulated space environments under conditions similar to those crew members experience aboard the International Space Station and on Lunar missions. The studies will occur during NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 14 and a Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) mission.

This project aligns with the following high-priority Risk Gaps of NASA Behavioral Health and Performance within the Human Research Program:

1. Risk of Performance Errors Due to Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, Fatigue, and Work Overload.

2. Risk of Behavioral and Psychiatric Conditions.

Specific Aims

1. Test the usefulness of three brief validated software-based cognitive performance tests (PVT SelfTest, Digit Symbol Substitution Test and the Descending Subtraction Test), which will collectively be known as the Penn Neurobehavioral Test Battery. Data will be collected on crew members and mission support personnel.

2. Acquire saliva samples to assay for cortisol levels, as a physiological measure of stress. Salivary cortisol data will be collected on crew members and mission support personnel.

3. Acquire video of the face for assessing feasibility of optical computer recognition using the built in webcam in the laptop used for the cognitive performance tests.