Extreme Environment Effects on Cognitive Functions: A Longitudinal Study in High Altitude in Antarctica.

ABSTRACT: This paper focuses on the impact of long-term Antarctic conditions on cognitive processes. Behavioral responses and event-related potentials were recorded during an auditory distraction task and an attention network paradigm. Participants were members of the over-wintering crew at Concordia Antarctic Research Station. Due to the reduced partial pressure of oxygen this environment caused moderate hypoxia. Beyond the hypoxia, the fluctuation of sunshine duration, isolation and confinement were the main stress factors of this environment. We compared 6 measurement periods completed during the campaign. Behavioral responses and N1/MMN (mismatch negativity), N1, N2, P3, RON (reorientation negativity) event-related potential components have been analyzed. Reaction time decreased in both tasks in

SUBMITTER: Barkaszi I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4928492 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature