The aim of the study is to test the effects of low concentrations of nitrous oxide on cognitive functions and reaction time in human.
Nitrous oxide is a widely used gas in medicine, in standard concentrations above 50%. Its favourable physical properties and easy detectability by anaesthetic gas analysors predispose nitrous oxide to become a possible "tracing gas" for leak detection in experiments in which modified breathing system are in use. In these breathing experiments, the inspired concentrations of nitrous oxide would be well below the anaesthetic/analgesic concentrations. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of these low concentrations of nitrous oxide (5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 %), compared to placebo (air, 0% nitrous oxide). The cognitive functions are tested using Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Reaction Time and Visual Analogue Scale.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
16
Breathing nitrous oxide, concentrations 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 % in air with 21 % oxygen, in random order.
Breathing air with 21 % oxygen, no nitrous oxide.
Czech Technical University
Prague, Czechia
Cognitive test results
The results of cognitive test performed during inhalation of defined concentration of nitrous oxide. Cognitive tests: Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Reaction Time
The results of reaction time test performed during inhalation of defined concentration of nitrous oxide. Reaction Time (in seconds) using a computer-based test.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
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