Influence Of Acetazolamide On Manual Dexterity During 30-hour Exposure To Hypobaric Hypoxia (3,500 M)

Abstract

High altitude missions pose challenges not seen during sea level expeditions. In order for missions to be successful, it is imperative for Soldiers to maintain physical and cognitive performance. Acetazolamide (AZ) is known to decrease the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), but reported side effects (e.g., drowsiness, peripheral parasthesias) could potentially impair manual dexterity. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether AZ treatment (250 mg bid) alters manual dexterity during 30 hours exposure to 3,500 m simulated altitude. METHODS: Six volunteers (6 males, 22.2 ± 3.2 y, 77.5 ± 11.5 kg, 176.2 ± 7.1 cm) took part in two separate 30 hour exposures to 3,500 m simulated altitude in the USARIEM hypobaric chamber. Volunteers received AZ (250 mg twice daily) or a placebo, in a single-blind crossover design. Prior to exposure, volunteers were trained at sea level in all procedures. Dexterity testing included the Purdue Pegboard (sum of rows completed in 30 seconds with right hand only, left hand only and both hands), and magazine/ cartridge loading (number of cartridges loaded in 2 minutes). RESULTS: Both Purdue Pegboard and magazine cartridge loading performance were not different between placebo and AZ trials (Purdue Pegboard: placebo: 38 ± 6 vs. AZ: 36 ± 7 rows, P &gt 0.05; cartridge loading: placebo: 57 ± 12 vs. AZ: 59 ± 13 cartridges, P &gt 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that AZ treatment and potential side effects do not impair manual dexterity during a 30 hour exposure to 3500 m altitude. Future studies could evaluate whether higher (500 mg bid) doses of AZ would demonstrate different results. Funded by USAMRMC; author views not official US Army or DOD policy.