Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Exposure to high altitude or hypoxia produces negative mood states in many individuals. This may place the individuals at undue risk, as negative mood state is related to decrease military performance and decrements in mental abilities. Exercise at 40% and 60% VO2max has previously been shown to improve psychological and mood state at normoxia but little is known about its effect in hypoxia. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of two exercise intensities on mood state in normobaric hypoxia. METHODS: 19 young, healthy men completed ANAM versions of the mood state test before hypoxia exposure, after 60 minutes of hypoxia exposure, and during and after two intensities of cycling (40% and 60% VO2max) under hypoxic conditions (12.5% O2). SaO2 and cerebral oxygenation were continuously monitored. RESULTS: At rest in hypoxia, Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) was significantly increased compared to baseline in both groups (Baseline: -64±56 vs. Rest: -31±68) (p=0.002). TMD was significantly decreased during exercise compared to rest (Rest: -31±68 vs. Exercise:-66±51) (p=0.009). During recovery, TMD was significantly decreased compared to rest (Rest: -31±68 vs. Recovery:-65±58) (p=0.015). SaO2 significantly decreased at 60 min rest in hypoxia, during exercise, and recovery compared to baseline (Baseline: 98±0 vs. Rest: 83±3, vs. Exercise: 78±3, vs. Recovery: 82±3) (p≤0.001 for all comparisons). Cerebral oxygenation was reduced at 60 min rest in hypoxia, during exercise, and recovery compared to baseline (Baseline: 72±7, Rest: 55±7, Exercise: 52±6, Recovery: 59±6) (p≤0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that at 40% and 60% of adjusted VO2max attenuated the adverse effects of hypoxia on mood. This finding may have significant applied value, as negative mood states are known to impair performance in hypoxic condition. Further studies are needed to replicate the current finding, and to clarify the possible mechanisms associated with the potential benefits of exercise on mood state in normobaric hypoxia.
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