Auditory event-related potentials and reaction time during decompression from hyperbaric trimix conditions.
BACKGROUND
Auditory event-related potentials (ERP) and sensomotor reaction time (RT) were investigated in divers during decompression from hyperbaric trimix conditions in order to assess the auditory information processing of the divers.


METHODS
Two passive series, 30 low (800 Hz) and 30 high (1200 Hz) tones were presented as well as one simple reaction task (SRT) and one choice reaction task (CRT) series. In both task series, the subjects were instructed to press the button as quickly as possible with the right-hand thumb after a low tone was heard. The individual analyses of the decompression period ERPs and RT data were compared with the pre-diving results for the series.


RESULTS
Despite the interindividual differences, the sensomotor reactions were retarded during the decompression period, most clearly in the CRT. A prolongation of the N2 and P3 latency in this series gives grounds to accept that a cognitive slowing takes part in the longer reaction times during decompression. The slowing of the auditory information processing during decompression manifests with task manipulation difficulties.
Philipova
D
D
Laboratory of Movement Control, Institute of Physiology, Sofia, Bulgaria.
D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D003664:Decompression; D004242:Diving; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology