The impact of long-term confinement and exercise on central and peripheral stress markers

Abstract

Long-term isolation has been reported to have impact on psycho-physiological performance in humans. As part of the 520. days isolation study (MARS500, n = 6) from June 3rd 2010 to November 4th 2011, this study aimed to show that stress caused by isolation and confinement is mirrored in cortical activity and cortisol levels and that exercise is a valid countermeasure.Cortical activity was measured by electroencephalography (EEG) pre- and post-moderate exercise every two weeks, salivary cortisol was taken every 60. days.Data show a decrease of global cortical activity, in both alpha- and beta-activity (p.