Cognitive Deterioration, Emergency Medicine, Hypobaric Hypoxia, Resuscitation, Stress Physiology
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
OTHERAltitude exposure in climate chamber
Altitude exposure in a climate chamber will consist of hypobaric hypoxia similar to the conditions found at 3000m asl and 5000m asl.
Sponsors
Medical University Innsbruck
University of Graz
Università degli Studi di Trento
Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige
Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica CNR
Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
Interventional, non-pharmacological, randomized, controlled, single-blinded, cross-over
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy volunteers * Age 18-60 yr-old * ASA class I * Signed informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Age \<18 or \>60 yr-old * ASA class \> I * Informed consent not signed
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Digit-Symbol Substitution Task - DSST | Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 5 minutes) | Changes in working memory at altitude using a computer-based test (DSST) |
| Balloon Analog Risk Test - BART | Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 5 minutes) | Changes in risk-taking behavior at altitude using a computer-based test (BART) |
| Psychomotor Vigilance Test - PVT | Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 5 minutes) | Changes in reaction time using a computer-based test (PVT) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Proportion of correct chest compressions regarding depth, pressure point and pressure release | Changes in 5 minute chest compressions | 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) |
| Digit-Symbol Substitution Task - DSST | Change from rest measurement (altitude exposure before chest compressions) to post-exercise measurement (after 5 minutes of chest compressions at altitude) | Changes in working memory after exercise at altitude using a computer-based test (DSST) |
| Total antioxidant capacity - TAC | Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to post-altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 1 hour) | Changes in TAC in saliva samples (mM) |
| Reactive oxygen species - ROS | Change from basal measurement (before altitude exposure) to post-altitude measurement (after altitude exposure - 1 hour) | Changes in ROS in saliva samples (μmol/min) |
| Balloon Analog Risk Test - BART | Change from rest measurement (altitude exposure before chest compressions) to post-exercise measurement (after 5 minutes of chest compressions at altitude) | Changes in risk-taking behavior after exercise at altitude using a computer-based test (BART) |
| Psychomotor Vigilance Test - PVT | Change from rest measurement (altitude exposure before chest compressions) to post-exercise measurement (after 5 minutes of chest compressions at altitude) | Changes in reaction time after exercise at altitude using a computer-based test battery (PVT) |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed