Normobaric hypoxia and submaximal exercise effects on running memory and mood state in women

Yongsuk Seo, Hayden D. Gerhart, Jon Stavres, Curtis Fennell, Shane Draper, Ellen L. Glickman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An acute bout of exercise can improve cognitive function in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. However, limited research supports the improvement of cognitive function and mood state in women. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hypoxia and exercise on working memory and mood state in women. METHODS: There were 15 healthy women (age = 22 ± 2 yr) who completed the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics-4 th Edition (ANAM), including the Running Memory Continuous Performance Task (RMCPT) and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) in normoxia (21% O2 ), at rest in normoxia and hypoxia (12.5% O2 ), and during cycling exercise at 60% and 40% V˙O 2max in hypoxia. RESULTS: RMCPT was not significantly impaired at 30 (100.3 ± 17.2) and 60 (96.6 ± 17.3) min rest in hypoxia compared to baseline in normoxia (97.0 ± 17.0). However, RMCPT was significantly improved during exercise (106.7 ± 20.8) at 60% V˙O 2max compared to 60 min rest in hypoxia. Following 30 ( - 89.4 ± 48.3) and 60 min of exposure to hypoxia ( - 79.8 ± 55.9) at rest, TMD was impaired compared with baseline ( - 107.1 ± 46.2). TMD was significantly improved during exercise (- 108.5 ± 42.7) at 40% V˙O 2max compared with 30 min rest in hypoxia. Also, RMCPT was significantly improved during exercise (104.0 ± 19.1) at 60% V˙O 2max compared to 60 min rest in hypoxia (96.6 ± 17.3). DISCUSSION: Hypoxia and an acute bout of exercise partially influence RMCPT and TMD. Furthermore, a moderate-intensity bout of exercise (60%) may be a more potent stimulant for improving cognitive function than low-intensity (40%) exercise. The present data should be considered by aeromedical personnel performing cognitive tasks in hypoxia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)627-632
Number of pages6
JournalAerospace Medicine and Human Performance
Volume88
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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