(46) SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN REACTION TIME DURING NORMOBARIC HYPOXIC HYPOXIA IN PHYSICALLY ACTIVE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Background: Limited research has been completed on the sex-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).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the sex-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.

Methods: 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. A mixed-model repeated measures anova test was used to calculate significant differences between sexes and trials.

Results: The results of the study showed no significant between group by time interaction with p = .144, but non-statistical differences in this area were observed. Female reaction times for trials 1-4 were as follows: 0.3632 ± 0.05, 0.3535 ± 0.06, 0.3730 ± 0.07, 0.3555 ± 0.06. Males’ reaction times were generally faster (trials 1-4): 0.3288 ± 0.04, 0.3240 ± 0.04, 0.3289 ± 0.04, 0.3296 ± 0.05.

Conclusions: Based on the equivocal results using the methods of the present study, neither of the hypotheses were supported, yet future research is still warranted to delve deeper into the relationship between hypoxic hypoxia and sex. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings of this study indicate a possible sex-related difference in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia. This topic should be investigated further because a difference in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia could negatively affect the safety of those within military aviation.

Acknowledgements: None