Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study of the Effects of Acute Exposure to Moderate Altitude Hypoxia on Prospective Memory.

This research wants to find out if being at a moderate altitude (about 4,000 metres up) makes it harder to remember things you planned to do later. This type of memory is important for pilots. The study will also see if giving people normal air or extra oxygen can help bring this memory back to normal if it's affected by altitude. Participants will do memory tests on computers and in a flight simulator while in a special chamber that can mimic altitude. They'll also have their body's responses, like brain activity and heart rate, monitored. This helps us understand how altitude affects memory and if simple solutions can help.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Direction Centrale du Service de Santé des Armées

Enrolment target

Start

06 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Hypoxia Hypoxia Brain Hypoxia Altitude Simulation Test Hypoxia in Healthy Individuals Hypoxia, Altitude Hypoxia, Brain Altitude Altitude Hypoxia Normobaric Hypoxia

What is this study about?

Imagine you're planning to send an important email later today. That's a type of memory called 'prospective memory' – remembering to do something in the future. This study wants to find out if being at a moderate altitude, like on a tall mountain or in an aeroplane, makes it harder for people to use this kind of memory. It's especially important for people like pilots who need to remember many crucial tasks during flights.

Pilots and other aircrew often work in tricky situations where they need to make quick decisions and remember lots of information. When they fly at higher altitudes, there's less oxygen, which can affect the body and brain. Sometimes, this can lead to memory problems, like forgetting to complete a vital checklist item. This study wants to specifically explore if this lack of oxygen affects their ability to remember future plans, as this hasn't been looked at much before.

The researchers also want to see if breathing different types of air – either normal air or air with extra oxygen – can help people remember better if their memory is affected by the altitude. By studying this, they hope to find ways to keep people safe and sharp, especially those who work in environments where oxygen levels might change.

Key takeaways

The study investigates how moderate altitude affects memory for future plans.
It tests if breathing normal air or extra oxygen can help improve this memory.
Participants will undergo memory tests in a special chamber that simulates altitude.
Brain activity, heart rate, and oxygen levels will be continuously monitored.
The study aims to understand and potentially improve safety for people in high-altitude roles.
Participation involves three sessions, including computer and flight simulator tasks.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy volunteer between 18 and 45 years old. You must be able to understand French and agree to take part. This study is open to both men and women.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain health conditions, you won't be able to join. These conditions include heart problems, lung disease, blood disorders, nerve conditions, serious mental health issues, or diabetes. If you've had seizures, lost consciousness, or get migraines, you also can't take part. They'll also check if you've had any serious infections recently, a bleeding disorder, or high blood pressure.

Finally, if you're regularly taking medication (except for contraception), have struggled with high altitudes before, or have been above 3,500 meters in the last three months, you won't be eligible. They'll also check for severe anxiety or depression, or if you have bad claustrophobia or panic attacks.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 45 years old?
Are you generally healthy with no serious long-term medical conditions?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you been below 3,500 metres altitude in the last three months?
Are you able to understand French?
Do you feel comfortable being in small spaces (no severe claustrophobia)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have three main sessions.

In the first session (called S0), you'll do a series of memory and thinking tests and fill out some questionnaires. They'll also monitor your brain activity using small sensors on your head (EEG) and gently swab the inside of your cheek to collect a sample.

For two other sessions (S1 and S2), which will be done in a random order, you'll spend time in a special chamber. This chamber can change the air inside it to make it feel like you're at a high altitude or at sea level. During these sessions, you'll do more computer-based memory tests and some tasks in a flight simulator. You'll regularly fill out questionnaires, and they'll continuously monitor your brain activity (EEG), heart rate (ECG), oxygen levels in your blood (SpO2), and breathing. Your blood pressure will be checked at the start and end of these sessions, and a blood sample will be taken. At one point, you'll breathe either normal air or extra oxygen through a mask while doing a memory task in the chamber. The total duration of your participation will be spread across these sessions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information learned could help improve safety for people working in high-altitude environments. You might find the tests interesting. Potential risks could include mild discomfort from being in the chamber or having sensors attached, or slight dizziness from the lower oxygen environment, though this will be carefully controlled and monitored. There may be minor bruising or discomfort from blood tests. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées
Verified postcode
Brétigny-sur-Orge, France

Common questions

What is 'prospective memory'?

It's your ability to remember to do things in the future, like remembering to call a friend or take medicine at a certain time.

What does 'moderate altitude' mean in this study?

It's like being about 4,000 metres (over 13,000 feet) above sea level, similar to a high mountain peak.

Will it feel like I'm really climbing a mountain?

No, you'll be in a special chamber that changes the air to mimic the oxygen levels at that altitude, but you won't physically be climbing.

Why are they using a flight simulator?

It helps them test memory in a realistic way for people who might work in aviation, making the tasks more like real-life situations.

Can I eat or drink before the sessions?

You'll be given specific instructions on what to do before each session, which will likely include guidance on food and drink.

How to find out more

Carine MALLE, PhD

carine.malle@gmail.com 178651479 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.