Altered gravity and time perception: a brief review

Gravity is fundamental to life on Earth, shaping biological systems and perceptual expectations. Understanding how gravity influences cognition is critical as humans increasingly encounter altered-gravity environments through spaceflight and parabolic flights. This mini-review synthesizes emerging findings on how deviations from Earth-normal gravity affect human time perception. Studies across fields of psychology, neuroscience, and physiology suggest that time perception reflects the dynamic integration of multisensory and bodily signals anchored to Earth's gravitational constraints. We identify key gaps in linking physiological changes to behavioral performance and in extending research to longer time scales, areas needing further advancement to benefit space travelers and offer insights into mechanisms of human timing. Review pre-registration: PROSPERO CRD42024577286.