Memory Performance, Hyperoxia, and Heart Rate Following Oxygen Administration

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of 30% oxygen administration on memory cognitive performance, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rate. Ten healthy male and female college students participated in the study. The experiment consisted of two runs: one was a memory task, with normal air (21% oxygen) administered and the other was with hyperoxic air (30% oxygen) administered. The experimental sequence in each run consisted of Rest (1 min), Control Task (1 min), Word Presentation (1 min), Reaction Time Task (1 min), Distractor (2 min), and Word Recall (1 min). Blood oxygen saturation and heart rate were measured throughout the six phases. The results of the memory performance analysis reveal that word recall rates were enhanced with 30% oxygen administration compared to 21% oxygen. When 30% oxygen was supplied, blood oxygen saturation was increased and heart rate was decreased compared to that with 21% oxygen administration. This result supports the hypothesis that 30% oxygen administration would lead to increases in memory performance.