“In space, no one can hear you scream.” In fact, the absence of gravity alone causes significant biological and physiological changes across multiple organ systems. Changes in body fluid redistribution, diminished musculoskeletal strength, changes in cardiac function and sensorimotor control have been reported. Space Motion Sickness is a premier example of maladaptation to microgravity, which occurs early in the mission and can profoundly impact physical health and crew performance. Post-flight orthostatic intolerance and low blood pressure experienced after return to Earth is also a serious concern. Both Russian and American space programs have a varied list of human errors and mistakes which have adversely impacted mission goals.

    The primary focus of Dr. Cowings’ research group is directed toward examining the individual differences in: (a) prediction of susceptibility to disorders caused by long-duration spaceflight, (b) assessment of symptom severity, (c) evaluation of the effectiveness of countermeasures, and (d) developing and testing a physiological training method, Autogenic Feedback Training Exercise (AFTE) as a countermeasure with multiple applications.