The Dynamics of Human Physical Performance in the Hypobaric Hypoxia Conditions Based on the Individual Psychological Characteristics

Abstract

This study focuses on the investigation of the effects of flight factors, including the hypobaric hypoxia, on physical performance based on the individual psychological profile. The goal of the study was to evaluate the association between the endurability of the flight factors and individual psychological features. Physical performance was assessed using the Ruffier test in three stages: during the recording of the baseline data, when ascending to an altitude of 5000 m in a hypobaric chamber, and after the ascent. The data obtained were analyzed considering the individual psychological features, including the neuroticism, extroversion, and trait anxiety. The levels of neuroticism and extroversion were evaluated using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and trait anxiety was assessed using Spielberger’s tests in the modification of Khanin. It has been found that individuals with a high neuroticism level are characterized by a more significant decrease in myocardial work capacity by 17.3% (p < 0.05) on the 30th minute and by 23.4% (р < 0.01) on the 60th minute of ascent in the hypobaric chamber compared to the subjects with a low neuroticism level. The results of the analysis of the Ruffier test have demonstrated 2.16-fold (р < 0.01) and 2.25-fold (р < 0.01) increase in the Ruffier index by the 30th and 60th minutes of the ascent in the altitude chamber, respectively, in the individuals characterized by an initially 28% lower (р < 0.05) baseline Ruffier index compared to those with high level of trait anxiety. Comparison of the indices of the myocardial work capacity during ascent has shown that heart work capacity in the group of introverts decreased by 20.0% (p < 0.05) by the 30th minute of being in a hypobaric chamber compared to the group of extroverts; by the 60th minute, the difference was 17.8% (р < 0.01). Therefore, it has been demonstrated that the association between the myocardial work capacity and individual psychological characteristics should be considered in the evaluation of the tolerance to moderate hypoxia.