The effects of carbon monoxide on three types of performance at simulated altitudes of 10,000 and 15,000 feet.

Abstract

1. Measurements of the critical frequency threshold, body sway, and the red visual field were made on Ss before, during, and after low pressure chamber runs. Twenty Ss with 12 to 22 percent blood COHb took part in runs at 15,500 feet, and six Ss with 5 to 10 percent COHb were tested at 10,000 feet. Control runs were made at the same altitudes with the same Ss. 2. There was significant impairment of performance at altitude, both under conditions of anoxia alone and anoxia after exposure to CO, as compared with performance at sea level. 3. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the tests during anoxia and during anoxia following the administration of CO… . 4. Individual responses were variable and without correlation with the percentage of increment or of total COHb in the blood. (See also 20: 2302.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)