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Related Experiment Videos

Postural control and venous gas bubble formation during hypobaric exposure.

SteinHelgeGlad Nordahl1, Torbjørn Aasen, Jan Risberg

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. mail@fms.as

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|March 23, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Acute hypoxia, not reduced barometric pressure, likely impairs postural control at high altitudes. Venous gas emboli (VGE) may form at 14,000 ft, impacting balance during altitude chamber training.

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Area of Science:

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Human Physiology
  • Altitude Physiology

Background:

  • Previous research indicates acute hypoxia up to 18,000 ft affects postural control.
  • This study differentiates hypoxia effects from other reduced barometric pressure impacts.
  • Doppler monitoring was used to exclude venous gas emboli (VGE) as a cause of postural disturbance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if acute hypoxia or other barometric pressure effects impair postural control.
  • To assess VGE formation during two altitude chamber training profiles.
  • To evaluate the impact of normoxic vs. hypoxic conditions on balance.

Main Methods:

  • 12 subjects underwent postural control tests and Doppler monitoring.
  • Two altitude chamber profiles were used: Profile 1 (normoxic exposures), Profile 2 (hypoxic exposure).

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  • Exposures included simulated altitudes from 8,000 to 25,000 ft.

    • Main Results:

    • No significant postural control changes occurred in Profile 1 (normoxic).
    • Profile 2 (hypoxic) showed significant postural control impairment at 14,000 ft (eyes-open).
    • VGE were detected in one subject; another experienced dizziness and was excluded.

    Conclusions:

    • Acute hypoxia is the probable cause of postural control changes at altitude.
    • Venous gas emboli (VGE) can form during acute altitude exposure.
    • Altitude chamber training protocols require careful consideration of hypoxia and potential VGE formation.