Category
Poster - Applied
Description
Limited research has been completed on the gender-related differences in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia. This is concerning due to the importance of reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia in aviation (particularly within the realm of military aviation). The purpose of this study was to examine the gender-related differences in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia in university students. It was hypothesized that females would exhibit both longer reaction times and a more rapid increase in reaction times during hypoxic states when compared to males. These hypotheses are supported by current research which has shown longer female normoxic reaction times and a decline in both physiological and cognitive response to hypoxic hypoxia in females. The study used a normobaric oxygen device to simulate hypoxic states and Delphi computer software to test simple reaction time. Subjects were physically active university students (10 females, 10 males). The test consisted of each subject completing a 40-minute hypoxic exposure at 12000 feet with reaction time tests conducted every 10 minutes. The results of the study showed no significant differences between genders in reaction times during hypoxia with p = .144, but non-statistical differences in this area were observed. Female reaction times for trials 1-4 were as follows: .3632 ± .05, .3535 ± .06, .3730 ± .07, .3555 ± .06. Males’ reaction times were generally faster (trials 1-4): .3288 ± .04, .3240 ± .04, .3289 ± .04, .3296 ± .05. Based on the limitations of this study, these results cannot disprove or prove the hypothesis, but do indicate the need for future research in this field. Future research should seek to control more variables in testing and acquire larger sample sizes.
Gender and Military Aviation
Poster - Applied
Limited research has been completed on the gender-related differences in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia. This is concerning due to the importance of reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia in aviation (particularly within the realm of military aviation). The purpose of this study was to examine the gender-related differences in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia in university students. It was hypothesized that females would exhibit both longer reaction times and a more rapid increase in reaction times during hypoxic states when compared to males. These hypotheses are supported by current research which has shown longer female normoxic reaction times and a decline in both physiological and cognitive response to hypoxic hypoxia in females. The study used a normobaric oxygen device to simulate hypoxic states and Delphi computer software to test simple reaction time. Subjects were physically active university students (10 females, 10 males). The test consisted of each subject completing a 40-minute hypoxic exposure at 12000 feet with reaction time tests conducted every 10 minutes. The results of the study showed no significant differences between genders in reaction times during hypoxia with p = .144, but non-statistical differences in this area were observed. Female reaction times for trials 1-4 were as follows: .3632 ± .05, .3535 ± .06, .3730 ± .07, .3555 ± .06. Males’ reaction times were generally faster (trials 1-4): .3288 ± .04, .3240 ± .04, .3289 ± .04, .3296 ± .05. Based on the limitations of this study, these results cannot disprove or prove the hypothesis, but do indicate the need for future research in this field. Future research should seek to control more variables in testing and acquire larger sample sizes.
Comments
Undergraduate