Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Investigations of a simulated geomagnetic field experienced by the international space station on attentional performance med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30 (1): 45-51

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To test whether the exposure to a magnetic field simulating the one encountered by the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting around the earth may affect cognitive functions.

Background/further details

12 healthy men were exposed to the simulated magnetic field and another 12 were sham-exposed to the natural geomagnetic field. The simulation was simplified when compared with the real conditions to which astronauts are exposed; e.g. the duartion of exposure was shorter and only the head was exposed. Each participant underwent a 90-min session. In the first 30 minutes they solved a crossword, then they viewed a series of emotional pictures (15 minutes) and the last 45 minutes they performed attention tests.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1:
Exposure duration: continuous for 90 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 90 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of horizontal Helmholtz coils around the test person's head; coils with a diameter of 35 cm, consisting of 100 turns of 0.8 mm copper wire wound around an aluminum ring
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 20 µT minimum measured - -
magnetic flux density 50 µT maximum measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

There was no significant difference between the sham-exposed and the exposed group, except for a trend for the alertness test indicating faster reaction times under magnetic field exposure.

Study character:

Study funded by

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