DETERIORATION OF MENTAL AND MOTOR FUNCTIONS IN HYPERBARIC AIR |
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| Authors: | John Adolfson |
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| Institution: | Psychological Laboratory, University of Göteborg, and Office of Surgeon General, Naval Staff, Stockholm, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | The effects of hyperbaric air on manual dexterity and arithmetic calculation capacity were studied in 15 subjects at ambient pressures of 4, 7, 10, and 13 ata at rest, and at 4, 7, and 10 ata during exercise (300 kpm/min). A significant reduction of the performance in both tests was observed at 10 and 13 ata at rest. During exercise in manual dexterity the reduction was significant at 4, 7 and 10 ata and in arithmetic calculation capacity at 7 and 10 ata. At 13 ata (at rest) a number of marked behavioural symptoms were observed, including changes in mood, impairment of consciousness, disturbance of perception, and deterioration of motor functions. These changes were readily reversible as soon as the pressure was lowered. |
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