The article ‘Cognitive at Altitude: Impairment in Executive and Memory Processes under Hypoxic Conditions’ seeks to comprehend how discrete abilities are influenced by hypobaric hypoxia at different simulated altitudes that are relative to the conditions of normobaric normoxic. As much as the acute effects of hypoxia are well documented in different researches using both animal and human subjects, the behavioral and psychological effects of hypobaric hypoxic exposure still require further scientific attention. The study measured cognitive flexibility as well as selective attention, short-term and working memory capacity and executive functioning at simulated and baseline altitudes that are equivalent to 17,500ft and 25,000ft to get more information concerning altitude exposure role on cognitive tasks significant for maximum function in the aviation environment.
According to the study, behavioral observations revealed that hypoxia was induced at various simulated altitudes. It was also found in this study that the subjects were not aware of their impairment, only to notice later that their scores were poor in the chamber. Additionally, the cognitive performance marked fall observed for all tests at 25,000ft indicated a significant impairment in this condition as compared to others. It was also found that subjects at 17,500ft conditions revealed significant impairment when compared to the baseline, even though the effects of hypoxia were not clearly defined as that of 25,000ft versus baseline contrasts (Asmaro, Mayall, & Ferguson, 2013). From the results obtained in this study, it can be suggested that the electronic versions of the obtained tests can be useful in screening acute hypoxia symptoms which could avail important knowledge into how discrete cognitive processes are impaired with the deprivation of oxygen at different altitudes.
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The observations seen in the subjects suggest that memory processes can become impaired with the increase in the altitude hypoxia exposure and therefore future studies ought to delineate whether the effects observed in prolonged exposures can be reversed. Since these tests can examine neuropsychological functioning, the results found in this study can permit inferences to be made concerning hypoxia effects on human brain functioning. More so, results suggest the sudden deprivation of oxygen at 25,000ft can result in an increased, quick disruption in selective attention and cognitive flexibility.
When RT estimates are assessed, it is observed that there is a reduction in RT that is relative to 17,500ft and control conditions. This indicates that the subjects can demonstrate a speed-accuracy trade-off with reduced correct responses and quick RTs during this task. While other studies slightly support this finding, this study finding differs from the past reports. These inconsistencies can be attributed to the methodology utilized to reach abnormally reduced o2 levels. As much as this study is the first hypoxia and altitude research paradigm utilized in this particular battery of cognitive tests to explore task performance, future studies need to aim at understanding oxygen deprivation effects on behavior and cognition.
In their article, Asmara, Mayall, and Ferguson (2013) acknowledge that hypobaric hypoxia causes discrete abilities at different simulated altitudes. They explain that the electronic versions of the obtained tests can be important in screening acute hypoxia symptoms which provide insight into discrete cognitive processes that are impaired with oxygen deprivation at high altitudes. The authors also tell the readers that the tests conducted in this study can examine neuropsychological functioning and this research can allow inferences to be done about the effects of hypoxia on human brain functioning. Lastly, the writer concludes the article in a hopeful tone, ending with a statement that the study is the first hypoxia and altitude research paradigm in this particular battery cognitive tests that can be used to examine task performance. One of the significant issues with the article is insufficient evidence and resources that support the results obtained in the article. Insufficient evidence and resources could be attributed to methodology discrepancies.
The methodology utilized produced abnormally low oxygen levels where hyperventilate subjects produced hypocapnea while those subjects in the simulated altitude were quickly exposed to a decreased low partial oxygen pressure that produced a decrease SPO2. Since this was the first study to be conducted on hypoxia and altitude research paradigm, there were minimal past studies to support the study. From this study, it is clear that the study lacked sufficient resources. It is unsuitable for the writers to use inadequate resources as the main form of evidence because this could result in inconsistencies and misleading conclusions.
Apart from insufficient resources and evidence, the article is weak in its unbiased discussion about the different effects of high altitude hypoxia because the writers' utilized insufficient counter-evidence to discuss these differences. The writers majorly discussed on the correct scores taken at 25,000ft than low altitudes. While the authors provide more information about high altitude hypoxia alone, this leads readers to wonder if this condition happens in low altitude areas. For a better understanding of readers, the writers could categorically explain the effects of hypoxia on both high and low altitudes.
As much as Asmaro et al. article has elaborated on the effects of hypoxia, it has not included various other neuropsychological tests that can examine cognitive processes that are in the current investigation which can allow convergent validity. The authors could include these aspects in the article to make it more understandable to the readers. Therefore, future studies ought to employ between-groups rather within-group design in order to identify if the number of tests taken can affect the results’ direction.
Reference
Asmaro, D., Mayall, J., & Ferguson, S. (2013). Cognition at altitude: impairment in executive and memory processes under hypoxic conditions. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 84(11), 1159-1165.
