← Back to Search

Spaceflight Effects on Cognitive Functioning

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Normal, healthy volunteers (astronaut surrogates) - Astronaut surrogates will be matched for age and education relative to astronauts

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change from pre-flight performance (average of tests performed 180, 120 and 60 days prior to launch) to in-flight performance (average of all tests: 1 month mission = 1 test, 2 months = 2 tests, 6 months = 6 tests, 12 months = 12 tests)

Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial looks at the effects of long-term spaceflight on the brain.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for astronauts who meet NASA's criteria and healthy volunteers matched in age and education to the astronauts. Participants must be able to undergo MRI scans, not have significant hearing loss, implanted medical devices, previous major brain or heart surgery, pregnancy potential, tattoos with metallic ink, or non-removable metal objects in their body.Check my eligibility

What is being tested?

The study examines how long-duration spaceflights (12 months) aboard the International Space Station affect cognitive abilities and brain structure compared to shorter missions (6 months and 2 months). It focuses on general cognition using a test battery and spatial cognition alongside changes in the hippocampus.See study design

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves spaceflight rather than medication or medical procedures on Earth, traditional side effects are not applicable. However, participants may experience effects related to extended time in microgravity such as muscle atrophy or bone density loss.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am healthy and my age and education match those of astronauts.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change from pre-flight performance (average of tests performed 180, 120 and 60 days prior to launch) to in-flight performance (average of all tests: 1 month mission = 1 test, 2 months = 2 tests, 6 months = 6 tests, 12 months = 12 tests)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change from pre-flight performance (average of tests performed 180, 120 and 60 days prior to launch) to in-flight performance (average of all tests: 1 month mission = 1 test, 2 months = 2 tests, 6 months = 6 tests, 12 months = 12 tests)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from pre-flight performance (average of tests performed 180, 120 and 60 days prior to launch) to in-flight performance (average of all tests: 1 month mission = 1 test, 2 months = 2 tests, 6 months = 6 tests, 12 months = 12 tests) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary outcome measures

Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF)

Cognitive performance

Local task activation Cognition

+3 more

Secondary outcome measures

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

Interleukin (IL)-1

Interleukin (IL)-10

+4 more

Trial Design

4Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: No InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Subjects matched to 12-month astronauts that stay on Earth and are investigated at similar time points.

Group II: 6-Month ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Astronauts on 6-month International Space Station missions will be exposed to spaceflight for a duration of 6 months. Biometric and cognitive data will routinely be collected.

Group III: 2-Month ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Astronauts on 2-month International Space Station missions will be exposed to spaceflight for a duration of 2 months. Biometric and cognitive data will routinely be collected.

Group IV: 12-Month ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Astronauts on 12-month International Space Station missions will be exposed to spaceflight for a duration of 12 months. Biometric and cognitive data will routinely be collected.

0 / 1Eligibility criteria met

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of PennsylvaniaLead Sponsor

2,000 Previous Clinical Trials

42,880,048 Total Patients Enrolled

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)FED

24 Previous Clinical Trials

1,726 Total Patients Enrolled

DLR German Aerospace CenterOTHER

24 Previous Clinical Trials

5,774 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Controls Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04856410 — N/A

Cognitive Functioning Research Study Groups: 2-Month Arm, 6-Month Arm, 12-Month Arm, No Intervention

Cognitive Functioning Clinical Trial 2023: Controls Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04856410 — N/A

Controls 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04856410 — N/A

Cognitive Functioning Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT04856410 — N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is the enrollment period still open for this clinical research?

"Evidence from clinicaltrials.gov reveals that the trial is not currently recruiting patients. Originally posted on August 1st 2021, it was last updated on September 30th 2022. However, 8 other trials are now seeking participants to enrol in their respective research programmes."

Answered by AI

What is the endgame of this clinical trial?

"The primary purpose of this clinical investigation, monitored for around two months before and after space flight, is to assess spatial cognition performance. Secondary objectives include alterations in Interleukin (IL)-10 levels, Tumor Necrosis Factor a (TNFa), and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)."

Answered by AI