Confinement studies are performed to simulate the psychological effects that may be experienced on a
long-term space flight. A general psycho-physiological model assumes that mood and cognitive functioning
are impaired during confinement as a result of an absence of physical activity. The aim of the
MARS500 study initiated by the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) and the European Space Agency
(ESA) is to gather data, knowledge and experience to help prepare for a real mission to Mars. A test run
with 105 days of isolation was performed prior to 520 days of isolation. Psycho-physiological data of this
study are presented here. We hypothesized that exercise, as it has been shown in laboratory settings,
would be able to prevent and counteract mood changes during isolation.
Electrocortical data (EEG) and a self report on current psychological and physical state were recorded
several times prior to and after exercise during the isolation period.
Data revealed a clear effect of exercise on mood and electrocortical activity. Moreover, it was shown
that mood and brain cortical activity decreased during the first 11 weeks of isolation and reached baseline
again in the last week of isolation. A correlation analysis revealed a significant relation between mood
data and electrocortical activity.
We conclude (1) that confinement is accompanied by psycho-physiological changes and (2) that exercise
is a suitable method to counteract psycho-physiological deconditioning during confinement.