Neuroscience Research Showcase
The Effects of Acute Hypoxia Exposure on Cognitive Function
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Description
Introduction: There is conflicting literature as to the effects of varying levels of hypoxia on cognition. Recent work by Loprinzi et al. (2019) demonstrated that moderate levels of hypoxia exposure increased memory (cognitive) performance. However, research investigating severe hypoxic exposure has shown immediate cognitive impairments (Nation, 2017). To reconcile these mixed findings, the present study aimed to investigate the extent to which varying levels of hypoxia affect cognition. Methods: Eighty-seven participants were recruited using convenience sampling at the University of Mississippi and completed a within-subject study design. The first lab visit was conducted for familiarizing the participant to the lab equipment, the cognitive task utilized, and the study protocol. During the second visit, participants were exposed to three different experimental conditions, Normoxia (20.5% FIO2), Moderate Hypoxia (15.0% FIO2), and Severe Hypoxia (10.5% FIO2) via breathing in lower concentrations of oxygen within a gas mixture for 10 minutes and then completed a Modified Stroop cognitive assessment at the end of each condition. Each counterbalanced condition was separated by a 10-minute resting period to ensure HR and SpO2 values returned to baseline. Overall accuracy and reaction time for each trial were recorded. With accuracy and reaction times as separate outcomes, a one-factor (Condition: Normoxia, Moderate, Severe) repeated measures ANOVA was employed; models were computed separately for the three item types from the Stroop task, including naming, inhibition, and switch. Results: For accuracy of naming, inhibition, and switch trials across the conditions, we observed a main effect of Condition for Naming (F = 4.325, p = .015) and Switch (F = 4.206, p = .016), but not Inhibition (F = 2.304, p = .103). Conclusion: Regarding the effects of hypoxia on Stroop cognitive performance, we provide evidence of cognitive impairment during severe hypoxia exposure.
All authors are affiliated with the Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.
Publication Date
4-4-2024
Relational Format
Presentation
Disciplines
Neurosciences
Recommended Citation
Sepko, John W.; Patrick, Zakary; Wilkerson, Parker; Hulsey, Madison; and Loprizini, Paul D., "The Effects of Acute Hypoxia Exposure on Cognitive Function" (2024). Neuroscience Research Showcase. 25.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/neuro_showcase/25
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