Performance Decrement at Cabin Altitudes: A Replication

Abstract

Several reports have indicated performance decrements may occur at altitudes below those experienced in pressurized aircraft cabins. In order to verify these findings a partial replication of one of these studies was undertaken. Four groups of five subjects learned a complex choice reaction time task (Manikin Task) at ground level and simulated altitudes of 1524 M, 2438 M, and 3048 M (5, 8, and 10,000 ft.). Performance was significantly worse for the altitude groups during the initial trials and marginally worse for the higher two altitudes on the final trials. Consistent with previous findings, performance at altitude was impaired. Since such impairment remains even when a task is fairly well-practiced, it is concluded that asymptotic performance may be affected as well.