Accession Number:

ADA545310

Title:

Hypoxic Hypoxia at Moderate Altitudes: State of the Science

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY AEROMEDICAL RESEARCH LAB FORT RUCKER AL

Personal Author(s):

• Petrassi, Frank
• Gaydos, Steve
• Ramiccio, John
• Walters, Patricia L.

Report Date:

2011-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

50.0

Abstract:

A systematic literature review of research on acute hypoxic hypoxia within the range of 8,000 to 15,000 feet pressure altitude was conducted. The goal was to evaluate the state of the science regarding mild hypoxic impairment of mental functions, sensory deficits, and other pertinent findings that may affect aviation-related duties. Defence Technical Information Center and Dialog searchers were performed in conjunction with a research librarian. The minimum altitude where hypoxic deficits manifest remains unclear. Cognitive testing is often not reproducible under similar research conditions measurements of visual decrements produce more consistent results. Cognitive deficits seem to be particularly difficult to quantify, possibly due to individual variability and lack of sensitivity andor specificity of the cognitive test utilized. The manifestation of acute mild hypoxia at moderate altitude may not be solely a function of partial pressure of oxygen, but rather the balance of respiratory gases, possible disruption of oxygen-dependent neurotransmitter synthetic pathways, and the inherent hypoxia sensitivity of various neuron populations.

Descriptors:

• *HYPOXIA
• *ALTITUDE
• DEGRADATION
• LITERATURE SURVEYS
• COGNITION
• SENSITIVITY
• POPULATION
• CONSISTENCY
• OXYGEN
• DEFICIENCIES
• BALANCE
• NERVE CELLS
• MENTAL ABILITY
• SENSES(PHYSIOLOGY)
• BREATHING GASES
• PARTIAL PRESSURE
• TEST AND EVALUATION
• FUNCTIONS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Stress Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE