Correlation between cognitive ability measured by response time of 1‐back task and changes of SpO2 by supplying three different levels of oxygen in the elderly

Abstract

This study investigated the correlation between response time of the 1-back task and changes of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) by supplying three different levels of oxygen (21%, 1 L/min; 93%, 1 L/min; 93%, 5 L/min) in the elderly. A total of 17 older adults (mean age 72.9 ± 4.7 years) participated in the experiment. A 1-back task was used as a cognitive task. The experiment consisted of three phases, which included the adaptation phase (3 min) after oxygen administration, the control phase (2 min) that maintained a stable condition before the task, and the task phase (2 min) where the 1-back task was carried out. SpO2 was measured during each phase. As concentration level and supply of oxygen increased, SpO2 increased and response time of the 1-back task decreased. Highly concentrated oxygen administration can increase SpO2 in the elderly and an increase in cognitive performance, such as a decrease in response time, can be observed.