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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Coherence between Brain Cortical Function and Neurocognitive Performance during Changed Gravity Conditions
Published on: May 23, 2011
Training-dependent cognitive advantage is suppressed at high altitude
Peng Li1, Gang Zhang, Hai-Yan You
1Department of High Altitude Military Hygiene, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
Physiology & Behavior
|March 20, 2012
Summary
Intensive training boosts cognitive performance at sea level, but high altitude (3900m) hypoxia significantly impairs these trained abilities, even more than in untrained individuals. This suggests training-specific advantages are lost under hypoxic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Altitude Physiology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- High altitude exposure causes cognitive deficits due to hypoxia.
- Intensive mental training enhances cognitive function for demanding professions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of high altitude hypoxia on cognitive function in highly trained individuals compared to untrained controls.
- To investigate if pre-existing cognitive training mitigates or exacerbates hypoxia-induced performance decline.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of cognitive performance (WHO-NCTB, RSPM) between trained military operators and untrained individuals at sea level and 3900m.
- Measurement of plasma biomarkers including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, VEGF).
Main Results:
- Trained individuals outperformed untrained individuals at sea level on cognitive tests.
- Both groups showed cognitive decline at high altitude, but trained subjects experienced greater decrements in specific areas like reaction accuracy and speed.
- Hypoxia suppressed training-dependent cognitive advantages in highly trained subjects.
Conclusions:
- High altitude hypoxia can negate the benefits of intensive cognitive training.
- The observed cognitive decline may be linked to reduced BDNF and increased inflammatory markers under hypoxia.
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