The Threshold for Hypoxia Effects on Perceptual- Motor Performance

Abstract

The hypoxia threshold for a decrement in perceptual-motor performance was determined with six subjects using a serial choice response time task at two levels of stimulus brightness. Low-oxygen mixtures were used to reduce SaO₂ (arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation) to hypoxic levels ranging from 86% to 76% in steps of 2%. These values correspond to altitudes ranging from 8900 ft to 11 400 feet. Response time was slowed in a dose-dependent manner with a significant effect becoming apparent at an SaO₂ of 82% (10 000 feet). The slope of the dose-response function was steeper for the low than for the high brightness condition. These results provide a threshold estimate of 9750 feet for performance decrements due to hypoxia and point to the disruption of vision as a factor influencing this decrement.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Crow, T. J. , and Kelman, G. R. (1971). Effect of mild acute hypoxia on human short-term memory. British Journal of Anaesthesiology, 43, 548–552.

Crow, T. J. , and Kelman, G. R. (1973). Psychological effects of mild acute hypoxia. British Journal of Anaesthesiology, 45, 335-337.

Denison, D. M. , Ledwith, F. , and Poulton, E. C. (1966). Complex reaction times at simulated cabin altitudes of 5000 feet and 8000 feet. Aerospace Medicine, 37, 1010–1013.

Ernsting, J. (1978). Prevention of hypoxia-Acceptable compromises. Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, 49, 495–502.

Ernsting, J. (1984). Mild hypoxia and the use of oxygen in flight. Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, 55, 407–410.

Fowler, B. , White, P. L. , Wright, G. R. , and Ackles, K. N. (1982). The effects of hypoxia on serial response time. Ergonomics, 25, 189–201.

Fowler, B. , Paul, M. , Porlier, G. , Elcombe, D. D. , and Taylor, M. (1985). A re-evaluation of the minimum altitude at which hypoxic performance decrements can be detected. Ergonomics, 28, 781–791.

Hecht. 5. , Hendley, C. D. , Frank, S. R. , and Haig, C. (1946). Anoxia and brightness discrimination. Journal of General Physiology, 29, 335–351.

Kelman, G. R. , and Crow, T. J. (1969). Impairment of mental performance at a simulated altitude of 8000 feet. Aerospace Medicine, 40, 981–982.

10.

Kelman, G. R. , Crow, T. J. , and Bursill, A. E. (1969). Effect of mild hypoxia on mental performance assessed by a test of selective attention. Aerospace Medicine, 40, 301–303.

11.

Kobrick, J. L. (1972). Effects of hypoxia on voluntary response time to peripheral stimuli during central target monitoring. Ergonomics, 15, 147–156.

12.

Kobrick, J. L. and Dusek, E. (1970). Effects of hypoxia on voluntary response time to peripherally located visual stimuli. Journal of Applied Physiology, 29, 444–448.

13.

McFarland, R. A. (1963). Experimental evidence of the relationship between ageing and oxygen want: In search of a theory of ageing. Ergonomics, 6, 338–366.

14.

Morgan, D. R. , and Green, R. G. (1983). The effects of mild hypoxia on a logical reasoning task. Paper presented at the meeting of the Aerospace Medical Association, Houston, Texas.

15.

Paul, M. (1983). Failure of hypoxia to compromise information processing at 8000 ft. Unpublished master's thesis, York University, Downsview, Ontario, Canada.

16.

Teichner, W. H. (1954). Recent studies of simple reaction time. Psychological Bulletin, 2, 128–149.

17.

Tichauer, E. R. (1963). Operation of machine tools at high altitude. Ergonomics, 6, 51–73.

18.

Tune, G. S. (1964). Psychological effects of hypoxia: Review of certain literature from the period 1950 to 1963. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 19, 551–562.