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Effects of hypobaric hypoxia on postural control
S H Nordahl1, T Aasen, J O Owe
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|June 26, 1998
Summary
Hypobaric hypoxia significantly impacts postural control, increasing body sway, especially when vision is relied upon. These effects on balance were most pronounced in the anteroposterior plane and largely reversible upon return to ground level.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Vestibular System
Background:
- Limited research exists on hypobaric conditions' effects on postural control.
- Accelerative forces' impact on the vestibular system is well-studied, but less is known about altitude's influence on balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on postural control.
- To determine if moderate hypobaric hypoxia reduces postural control.
Main Methods:
- 16 military aircrew underwent postural control assessments using a static balance platform.
- Measurements were taken with eyes open and closed, before, during, and after exposure to a simulated altitude of 25,000 ft.
- Both subjective and objective measures of postural control were employed.
Main Results:
- No subjective dizziness or clinical unsteadiness was reported.
- Significant increases in body sway were observed at altitudes of 8,000, 14,000, and 18,000 ft compared to baseline.
- Increased sway was more pronounced in the eyes-open condition and primarily affected anteroposterior movements.
Conclusions:
- Acute hypobaric hypoxia affects postural control, particularly in the anteroposterior plane when vision is used.
- This suggests that vision is highly susceptible to oxygen deprivation.
- Postural control largely recovered upon return to ground level.