Warfighters are frequently exposed to environments and life-support systems that increase breathing resistance and the work of breathing (WOB), such as aircraft on-board oxygen generation systems and underwater breathing apparatuses. Elevated WOB increases the perception of breathing difficulty (dyspnea) and has been associated with impaired cognitive performance, including slower reaction time and reduced accuracy during attention-demanding tasks. These effects are particularly concerning in operational settings that require rapid decision-making and precise motor responses. Despite growing recognition of this issue, critical gaps remain regarding strategies to mitigate the perceptual and cognitive consequences of elevated inspiratory resistance, especially under realistic operational stressors. The objective of this study is to determine whether reducing mechanical WOB alters breathing perception and cognitive performance during inspiratory resistance. Participants will breathe either normal-density air or a low-density helium-oxygen gas mixture (heliox) to determine whether reducing mechanical WOB lowers perceived breathing effort and improves cognitive function.
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Change in Stroop Color-Word Test Time Performance
Timeframe: Before and after each Day 1 breathing task (approximately 60 minutes in duration)
Change in Stroop Color-Word Test Error Performance
Timeframe: Before and after each Day 1 breathing task (approximately 60 minutes in duration)
Change in Perception of Dyspnea Intensity
Timeframe: Before and after each Day 1 breathing task (approximately 60 minutes in duration)
Change in Perception of Dyspnea Unpleasantness
Timeframe: Before and after each Day 1 breathing task (approximately 60 minutes in duration)