Authors: Blogg, S. Lesley; Gennser, Mikael

Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 77, Number 2, February 2006 , pp. 107-113(7)

Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association

Abstract:

Blogg SL, Gennser M. Cerebral blood flow velocity and psychomotor performance during acute hypoxia. Aviat Space Environ Med 2006; 77:107–13.

Introduction: The physiological effects of hypoxic environments can help determine safe limits for workers where cognitive and motor performance is important. We investigated the effects of a PIO₂ of 15 kPa and 10 kPa on medial cerebral artery blood flow velocity (CBFV) and psychomotor performance. Methods: Over 3 sessions, each involving 3 separate test batteries, 13 subjects breathed either 21 kPa PIO₂ (control), 15 kPa PIO₂, or 10 kPa PIO₂. The tests measured reaction time, spatial orientation, voluntary repetitive movement, and fine manipulation. CBFV, PETCO₂, PETO₂, SaO₂, and BP were recorded throughout. Results: ANOVA analysis showed that 15 kPa PIO₂ did not significantly change psychomotor test performance. The mean number of incorrect responses in the reaction time test significantly increased to 5.6 (SD ± 4.0) while breathing 10 kPa PIO₂, as did the mean number of errors (7.7 ± 5.0) in the fine manipulation test. Only 10 kPa PIO₂ affected CBFV, causing a significant increase in flow from 50 ± 6.5 cm · s⁻¹ to 55 ± 10.3 cm · s⁻¹. CBFV significantly increased during three psychomotor tests while breathing air; however, it did not increase further during psychomotor testing in hypoxia. Discussion: A PIO₂ of 15 kPa did not affect subject performance, and should not cause operational risk. At 10 kPa PIO₂, accuracy and vigilance were slightly affected; however, the reduction in oxygenation was not great enough to cause major decrements. CBFV was not a good indicator of mental stress during hypoxia.

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Keywords: hypoxic environments; mental tasks; medial cerebral artery; Doppler ultrasound

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-02-01

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• The peer-reviewed monthly journal, Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) provides contact with physicians, life scientists, bioengineers, and medical specialists working in both basic medical research and in its clinical applications. It is the most used and cited journal in its field. ASEM is distributed to more than 80 nations.
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