High-altitude cerebral oxygen saturation detection using wireless wearable cerebral oximeter

Area of Science:

• Physiological monitoring
• High-altitude physiology
• Cerebral oximetry

Background:

• High-altitude environments present hypobaric hypoxic conditions impacting physiological functions.
• Real-time monitoring of physiological characteristics is vital for preventing brain injuries during high-altitude exposure.
• Understanding cerebral oxygenation is crucial for individuals experiencing acute and chronic high-altitude conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a wireless wearable cerebral oximeter (WORTH band) for continuous, real-time monitoring of physiological parameters.
• To assess the impact of high-altitude exposure on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and heart rate (HR).
• To explore the correlation between altitude and physiological parameters in elderly subjects during long-term high-altitude exposure.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a wireless wearable cerebral oximeter (WORTH band) for monitoring.
• Collected data on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and heart rate (HR) during high-altitude expeditions and cycling tasks.
• Analyzed the correlation between altitude, rSO2, and SpO2 in elderly subjects during a 52-day cycling task.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in rSO2 and a corresponding increase in HR were observed as altitude increased during an expedition.
• Altitude was significantly correlated with rSO2 and SpO2 in elderly subjects during a long-term high-altitude cycling task.
• The WORTH band demonstrated continuous and real-time monitoring capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The WORTH band oximeter is a promising tool for measuring rSO2 at high altitudes.
• Findings contribute to the management of cerebral oxygenation for individuals exposed to high altitudes.
• This study expands understanding of brain functional detection in high-altitude environments.