DEVICE FOR THE USE OF VESTIBULAR GALVANIC STIMULATION FOR PILOT TRAINING AND THE CORRECTION OF THE POSITION AND SIGHT FIXATION IN MICROGRAVITY

A method is proposed to induce the sensation of movement in subjects in flight simulators and in cosmonauts, creating a cognitive simulation of movement through the Vestibular Electrical Stimulation. The system consists of a control unit, a function generator and a power amplifier. The device injects electric current over the mastoid process (galvanic vestibular stimulation), capable of activating the neurons of the vestibular system and inducing a movement sensation, in coordination with a flight simulation program or subject's movement in the simulator. The use of the device modifies eye movement control responses, electrically activating the vestibular-ocular, vestibulo-colic and vestibule-spinal reflexes. The main purpose of this device is to provide sensory input to enhance the experience in pilots during flight training or in microgravity. Un dispositivo electrónico para el uso de la estimulación galvánica vestibular (EGV) de baja intensidad (=2mA) para el entrenamiento de pilotos, que consiste: un circuito integrado programable con tres rutinas programadas; un conversor digital-análogo con resistores simples; un amplificador operacional inversivo de bajo consumo; un display LCD; un teclado y una fuente de alimentación.