Predictive, Functional, and Non-Predictive Gravity: Rethinking Human Movement and Spaceflight

Intro: Most people think of gravity as just a pulling force toward the ground. This is when they drop a cup or fall down. However, humans don't fall down, they are capable of it, gravity doesn't pull us down. But when it comes to human movement — on Earth or in space — gravity is not just absolute. It can be predictive, functional, or non-predictive. Understanding these differences is essential for astronaut rehabilitation, fall prevention, and even daily human health.

Sections:

• Predictive Gravity

  • Definition: The constant, calculable force of gravity that acts uniformly on all masses, independent of structure or biology.

  • Humans know that gravity exists but they organize this force through functional gravity. 

• Functional Gravity

  • Organic life opposes and organizes around gravity via organization, buoyancy, and dynamic tonus.

  • In humans, this organization is what allows for functional movement from lying to an upright posture, balance, and efficient movement.

• Non-Predictive Gravity

  • Represents movement states from a source of both functional and non-functional gravity to a place where the dominance is the gravity over function. In this state, the nervous system is disorganized, like after injury, illness, or extended time in microgravity.

• Implications for Humans

  • Falls in older adults: high mortality rates come not just from broken hips, but from nervous system reorganization toward “falling.”

  • Astronaut re-entry: the nervous system must relearn all these aspects of gravities, presenation: gravity, functional gravity, and interact not be in a state of non-functional gravity. Using muscles vs an interactive vestibular with a body's sub-senses to re-establish functional gravity, not just regain muscle strength.

  • AI analysis: by using real-time video overlays, we can calculate these markers and adapt protocols for astronauts, athletes, and patients alike.

Equations:

Example:

• Predictive = "objects fall at a constant rate (F = mg)"

• Functional = "life organizes forces with rotation, balance, and buoyancy"

• Non-predictive = "organization breaks down and gravity wins"

Conclusion: Gravity is a constant, but our relationship to it is not. Predictive, functional, and non-predictive gravity offer a new lens for designing training, recovery, and exploration systems.