The study aims to evaluate the effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia on cognitive performance (H0: cognitive performance at 200 meters above sea level (asl) = cognitive performance at 3000 meters above sea level = cognitive performance at 5000 meters above sea level). Before participating in the study, each participant will respond to a questionnaire related to high altitude exposure (prior 3 months), as well as inclusion/exclusion criteria evaluation. On day 0, after the interview and signed informed consent, the participant will undergo a medical examination that will include a general objective examination. Participants will participate in a training on the emergency and safety procedures of the hypobaric hypoxia facility, as well as a refresh on cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure. During the following two days (day 1 and 2) the study protocol will be executed (one test per day). The study protocol envisages: * a basal cognitive test battery * blind ascent in the hypobaric chamber to simulated altitude * cognitive test battery * 5 minutes of recorded chest compressions on dummies * cognitive test battery * blind descent in the hypobaric chamber. During the stay in the hypobaric hypoxic facility, each participant will be monitored in real time with the Equivital© medical monitoring device. Before and after the stay in the hypobaric hypoxic facility, a saliva sample will be collected, and psychological tests administered.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
48
Altitude exposure in a climate chamber will consist of hypobaric hypoxia similar to the conditions found at 3000m asl and 5000m asl.
Eurac Research, Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine
Bolzano, BZ, Italy
Digit-Symbol Substitution Task - DSST
Changes in working memory at altitude using a computer-based test (DSST)
Time frame: Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 5 minutes)
Balloon Analog Risk Test - BART
Changes in risk-taking behavior at altitude using a computer-based test (BART)
Time frame: Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 5 minutes)
Psychomotor Vigilance Test - PVT
Changes in reaction time using a computer-based test (PVT)
Time frame: Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 5 minutes)
Digit-Symbol Substitution Task - DSST
Changes in working memory after exercise at altitude using a computer-based test (DSST)
Time frame: Change from rest measurement (altitude exposure before chest compressions) to post-exercise measurement (after 5 minutes of chest compressions at altitude)
Balloon Analog Risk Test - BART
Changes in risk-taking behavior after exercise at altitude using a computer-based test (BART)
Time frame: Change from rest measurement (altitude exposure before chest compressions) to post-exercise measurement (after 5 minutes of chest compressions at altitude)
Psychomotor Vigilance Test - PVT
Changes in reaction time after exercise at altitude using a computer-based test battery (PVT)
Time frame: Change from rest measurement (altitude exposure before chest compressions) to post-exercise measurement (after 5 minutes of chest compressions at altitude)
Proportion of correct chest compressions regarding depth, pressure point and pressure release
Evaluation of the quality of chest compressions with a manikin and its electronic feedback device at different altitudes (200 meters vs. 3000 meters vs. 5000 meters)
Time frame: Changes in 5 minute chest compressions
Reactive oxygen species - ROS
Changes in ROS in saliva samples (μmol/min)
Time frame: Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to post-altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 1 hour)
Total antioxidant capacity - TAC
Changes in TAC in saliva samples (mM)
Time frame: Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to post-altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 1 hour)
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