Simulated high-altitude exposure to 4500 m significantly decreased SpO2 (p<0.001) and increased heart rate (p=0.006), with cognitive lapses correlating with lactate levels (p=0.002).
Observational (n=23)
Does simulated high-altitude exposure at 4500 m alter physiological variables, cognitive performance, and mood states in volunteers?
Simulated high-altitude exposure induces physiological changes and mood disturbances associated with AMS, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies.
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract High‐altitude exposure induces hypoxemia, triggering metabolic adjustments to enhance oxygen delivery. This acclimatization process often involves mood changes, cognitive alterations, and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms. This study examined the effects of simulated hypoxia at 4500 m on physiological variables, reaction time, lapses, and mood states. Twenty‐three volunteers were exposed to a simulated 4500 m altitude for 4 h in a normobaric hypoxia chamber. Lactate, glucose, SpO 2 , heart rate (HR), and AMS symptoms were assessed before and every hour during exposure. As expected, SpO 2 significantly decreased ( p < 0.001), while HR increased ( p = 0.006) during exposure. Reaction time remained unaffected, but lapses significantly correlated with lactate levels ( p = 0.002). Mood states, particularly tension ( p = 0.001) and fatigue ( p < 0.001), were associated with AMS symptoms. Simulated high‐altitude exposure induced physiological alterations, including decreased SpO 2 , increased HR, and a significant correlation between lactate levels and cognitive performance. While reaction time was unchanged, mood disturbances were strongly related to AMS. These findings highlight the need for strategies to mitigate both physiological and psychological effects of hypoxia.
Bottura et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Hypoxia / High-altitude exposure (n=23). Simulated hypoxia at 4500 m vs. Baseline (before exposure) was evaluated on Physiological variables (SpO2, HR), reaction time, lapses, and mood states (p=<0.001). Simulated high-altitude exposure to 4500 m significantly decreased SpO2 (p<0.001) and increased heart rate (p=0.006), with cognitive lapses correlating with lactate levels (p=0.002).