[Human higher nervous activity during adaptation to moderate altitude]

Area of Science:

• Human Physiology
• Altitude Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Understanding adolescent physiological responses to varying altitudes is crucial for adaptation strategies.
• Previous research has explored altitude effects on physical performance, but cognitive and nervous system adaptations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of moderate altitude exposure on the functional characteristics of the nervous system in healthy adolescents.
• To assess changes in cognitive functions, including information processing, attention, and memory, at different altitudes.
• To explore the relationship between nervous system lability and altitude adaptation, as well as respiratory responses.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 26 healthy adolescents (16-18 years old) with no prior mountain adaptation experience.
• Participants were investigated at plain conditions (Kiev) and at moderate altitudes (2100m and 3000m in Chegem).
• Evaluated functional lability of the nervous system (CFL), cognitive functions, and respiratory parameters.

Main Results:

• A one-month stay at moderate altitude improved nervous system functional lability, information processing speed, attention, short-term memory, and reduced reaction times.
• Adolescents with initially higher CFL exhibited greater adaptive shifts and more sustained positive effects post-altitude exposure.
• A positive correlation was found between CFL and external respiration adaptation, and CFL was significantly linked to respiratory center sensitivity to hypercapnia.

Conclusions:

• Moderate altitude exposure positively influences nervous system function and cognitive performance in healthy adolescents.
• Individual differences in nervous system lability significantly modulate the extent and duration of altitude adaptation.
• Nervous system lability is closely associated with respiratory regulation mechanisms during altitude exposure.