Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Reese Kim, Senior Allysa Hayden
Lead Presenter's Name
Reese Kim
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Aviation
Faculty Mentor Name
Mr. Scott Wagner
Abstract
Hypoxia is a condition in which the body’s tissues are deprived of oxygen and has deleterious effects on cognition, perception, and performance. Hypoxia has a myriad of symptoms such as euphoria, difficulty concentrating, headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, tunnel vision, and more. Outward signs of hypoxia include cyanosis (blueing of the fingertips and lips), tremors, loss of coordination, pallor, and complexion change, and can be used to notice the onset of hypoxia in others. Many factors are known to contribute to the manifestation of hypoxia, namely altitude, exposure duration, and certain physiological conditions such as heart problems and low blood flow or oxygen transport. However, there are many other factors that potentially relate to hypoxic response such as age, gender, acclimatization, physical fitness, fatigue levels, recent dietary intake, etc. This study aimed to examine the impact of various parameters on hypoxic outcomes, including symptom presentation, time of useful consciousness, and physiological responses. A normobaric high altitude laboratory was used to simulate oxygen levels of 6.2%, which translates to an altitude of 30,000 ft—only slightly lower than average commercial airline cruising altitude. Demographic and physiological data was collected from participants, who then experienced hypoxia and attempted to complete cognitive and physical tasks. After recovering, participants shared their personal symptoms of hypoxia, and researchers noted participants’ outward signs of hypoxia. The outcomes of this study will help to inform training protocols and high-altitude impacts for aviators, ultimately contributing to safer aircraft operation and emergency response.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Assessing the Impact of Various Factors on Hypoxic Response
Hypoxia is a condition in which the body’s tissues are deprived of oxygen and has deleterious effects on cognition, perception, and performance. Hypoxia has a myriad of symptoms such as euphoria, difficulty concentrating, headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, tunnel vision, and more. Outward signs of hypoxia include cyanosis (blueing of the fingertips and lips), tremors, loss of coordination, pallor, and complexion change, and can be used to notice the onset of hypoxia in others. Many factors are known to contribute to the manifestation of hypoxia, namely altitude, exposure duration, and certain physiological conditions such as heart problems and low blood flow or oxygen transport. However, there are many other factors that potentially relate to hypoxic response such as age, gender, acclimatization, physical fitness, fatigue levels, recent dietary intake, etc. This study aimed to examine the impact of various parameters on hypoxic outcomes, including symptom presentation, time of useful consciousness, and physiological responses. A normobaric high altitude laboratory was used to simulate oxygen levels of 6.2%, which translates to an altitude of 30,000 ft—only slightly lower than average commercial airline cruising altitude. Demographic and physiological data was collected from participants, who then experienced hypoxia and attempted to complete cognitive and physical tasks. After recovering, participants shared their personal symptoms of hypoxia, and researchers noted participants’ outward signs of hypoxia. The outcomes of this study will help to inform training protocols and high-altitude impacts for aviators, ultimately contributing to safer aircraft operation and emergency response.