Department of Health and Human Performance Faculty Articles
Title
Low intensity exercise does not impact cognitive function during exposure to normobaric hypoxia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2015
Abstract
Exposure to hypoxia is associated with cognitive impairment, mediated by cerebral deoxygenation. This can be problematic for individuals who perform mental tasks at high altitude. Eight healthy men completed two experimental trials consisting of 5h of exposure to normobaric hypoxia (12.5% O2). In one of the experimental trials (Hypoxia) subjects remained resting in a seated position the entire 5h; in the other experimental trial (Hypoxia and Exercise) subjects rested 2h, cycled for 1h at constant wattage (workload equivalent to 50% of altitude adjusted VO2max), then rested the last 2h. Cerebral oxygenation was measured continuously via near-infrared spectroscopy and cognitive performance was assessed by Trail Making Test A and B. Cerebral oxygenation and cognitive performance both were impaired during exposure to hypoxia. In the Hypoxia and Exercise trial, subjects experienced further declinations in cerebral oxygenation without concomitant decreases in cognitive function. These data demonstrate that cognitive function declines during exposure to normobaric hypoxia and this decline is not exacerbated by low intensity exercise.
Publication Title
Physiology and Behavior
Volume
151
Issue
1
First Page
24
Last Page
28
ISSN
0031-9384
DOI Number
10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.07.003
Recommended Citation
Kim, C. H.; Ryan, E. J.; Seo, Y.; Peacock, Corey Allen; Gunstad, J.; Muller, M. D.; Ridgel, A. L.; and Glickman, E. L., "Low intensity exercise does not impact cognitive function during exposure to normobaric hypoxia" (2015). Department of Health and Human Performance Faculty Articles. 42.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_hhp_facarticles/42