Executive Function (Cognition), Normobaric Hypoxia
Conditions
Brief summary
The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of an intermittent normobaric hypoxia session on executive functions assessed with different cognitive tests given to healthy young subjects. Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were divided into an experimental group (EG; n=13) and a control group (CG; n=14). The EG performed the 'Odd One Out', 'Double Trouble' and 'Monkey Ladder' tests before and after the hypoxia tolerance session (12%, 4400 m) with the iAltitude simulator. The CG completed the same tests without hypoxia exposure.
Detailed description
The main objective of this study will be to analyze the effects of an intermittent normobaric hypoxia session on executive functions, assessed using different cognitive tests administered to healthy young subjects. A total of 27 healthy volunteers will be divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG; n=13) and a control group (CG; n=14). The experimental group will perform the 'Odd One Out', 'Double Trouble', and 'Monkey Ladder' tests immediately before and after a hypoxia tolerance session (12% oxygen, equivalent to 4400 meters) using the iAltitude simulator. The control group will complete the same tests under normoxic conditions, without exposure to hypoxia. The primary outcomes will include changes in cognitive performance scores in the administered tests. The experimental group is expected to show improvements in the Double Trouble test scores following hypoxia exposure. The control group may also show changes in the Double Trouble and Odd One Out tests between the pre- and post-tests. Secondary outcomes will include physiological variables such as oxygen saturation (SaO₂) and heart rate (HR), which will be monitored during the hypoxia session in the EG. Statistically significant changes in SaO₂ and HR are anticipated as a result of the hypoxic exposure. This study aims to determine whether a single session of intermittent normobaric hypoxia can lead to selective improvements in executive functions, particularly sustained attention, without negatively affecting other cognitive domains.
Interventions
DEVICEIntermittent normobaric hypoxia
Participants in the experimental group undergo a single session of intermittent normobaric hypoxia simulated by the iAltitude device. The session consists of breathing air with 12% oxygen concentration (equivalent to 4400 meters altitude) for a specified duration. Cognitive tests are administered before and after the hypoxia exposure to assess executive functions.
OTHERNormoxia
Participants undergo the same cognitive tests without exposure to hypoxia, serving as the control condition.
Sponsors
Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Young people aged between 18 and 40 years old
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnancy * Prior experience in hypoxia training * Previous experience in executive function tests * Personal or family history of cardiovascular diseases or chronic conditions * Diagnosed cardiac disorders.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Double Trouble Test | Day 1 | Change in cognitive performance score on the Double Trouble test; higher scores indicate better executive function and attention control. Unit of Measure: Score (units on a scale) |
| Monkey Ladder Test | Day 1 | Change in cognitive performance score on the Monkey Ladder test; higher scores indicate better visuospatial working memory. Unit of Measure: Score and Level. |
| Odd One Out Test | Day 1 | Change in reasoning performance score on the Odd One Out test; higher scores indicate better problem-solving ability. Unit of Measure: Score and Level. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure | Day 1 | Average of systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured in mmHg |
| Oxygen Saturation | During intervention | Oxygen saturation automatically monitored and recorded by the iAltitude hypoxia simulation system. Unit of Measure: % |
| Heart Rate | During intervention | Heart rate automatically monitored and recorded by the iAltitude hypoxia simulation system. Unit of Measure: Beats per minute (bpm) |
| Sociodemographic Questionnaire | Pre-test | To define individual characteristics of participants such as age and gender. |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed