The Influence of Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Normobaric Hypoxia

Abstract

Although previous reports indicate that exercise improves cognitive function in normoxia, the influence of exercise on cognitive function in hypoxia is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if the impaired cognitive function in hypoxia can be restored by low to moderate intensity exercise. Sixteen young healthy men completed the ANAM versions of the Go/No-Go task (GNT) and Running Memory Continuous Performance Task (RMCPT) in normoxia to serve as baseline (B-Norm) (21% O2). Following 60 minutes of exposure to normobaric hypoxia (B-Hypo) (12.5% O2), these tests were repeated at rest and during cycling exercise at 40% and 60% of adjusted Vo2max. At B-Hypo, the % correct (p≤0.001) and throughput score (p≤0.001) in RMCPT were significantly impaired compared to B-Norm. During exercise at 40% (p=0.023) and 60% (p=0.006) of adjusted Vo2max, the throughput score in RMCPT improved compared to B-Hypo, and there was no significant difference in throughput score between the two exercise intensities. Mean reaction time also improved at both exercise intensities compared to B-Hypo (p≤0.028). Both peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo2) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSo2) significantly decreased during B-Hypo (p≤0.001) and further decreased at 40% (p≤0.05) and 60% (p≤0.039) exercise. There was no significant difference in Spo2 or rSo2 between two exercise intensities. These data indicate that low to moderate exercise (i.e., 40%-60% adjusted Vo2max) may attenuate the risk of impaired cognitive function that occurs in hypoxic conditions.

The interactive effects of acute exercise and hypoxia on cognitive performance: A narrative review

“…Therefore, the impact of age and sex on cognitive performance when acute exercise is combined with hypoxia is unclear. Nevertheless, the role of sex differences may not be important as Seo and colleagues 24,25 have previously reported similar results in both male and female participants. Collectively, the present findings regarding the effects of exercise under hypoxia on cognitive performance are inconsistent.…”

“…Indeed, when duration of exposure to hypoxia is relatively short (~105 minutes), cognitive improvements are frequently observed during exercise. [20][21][22][24][25][26] In contrast, in the case of severe and/or prolonged exposure to hypoxia, the beneficial effects of acute exercise appear to be negated by the detrimental effects of hypoxia or are unable to override the detrimental effects. The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance depend on exercise intensity and duration, while the severity and duration of exposure to hypoxia are crucial for the detrimental effects on cognitive performance.…”

“…The same group reported cognitive improvement in memory [23][24][25] and mathematical performance, 23 but not in the GNG task. 24 Lei et al 26 showed cognitive improvement in GNG task during moderate exercise under severe hypoxia in females. de Aquino-Lemos et al 27 reported an improvement in cognitive performance in the GNG task after moderate exercise following prolonged exposure to hypoxia for 28 hours, which suggests that acute exercise has the potential to improve cognitive performance during prolonged exposure to hypoxia.…”

“…In follow-up studies, Komiyama et al 21 reported cognitive improvement in the GNG and spatial delayed response tasks during moderate exercise in moderate hypoxia and severe hypoxia. 22 Seo and colleagues [23][24][25] examined the combined effects of moderate exercise and in severe hypoxia in both male 23,24 and female 23,25 participants. The same group reported cognitive improvement in memory [23][24][25] and mathematical performance, 23 but not in the GNG task.…”

“…22 Seo and colleagues [23][24][25] examined the combined effects of moderate exercise and in severe hypoxia in both male 23,24 and female 23,25 participants. The same group reported cognitive improvement in memory [23][24][25] and mathematical performance, 23 but not in the GNG task. 24 Lei et al 26 showed cognitive improvement in GNG task during moderate exercise under severe hypoxia in females.…”