Correlation between cognitive ability measured by response time of 1-back task and changes of SpO2 by supplying three different levels of oxygen in the elderly

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the correlation between response time of the 1-back task and changes of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) by supplying three different levels of oxygen (21%, 1 L/min; 93%, 1 L/min; 93%, 5 L/min) in the elderly.

Methods: A total of 17 older adults (mean age 72.9 ± 4.7 years) participated in the experiment. A 1-back task was used as a cognitive task. The experiment consisted of three phases, which included the adaptation phase (3 min) after oxygen administration, the control phase (2 min) that maintained a stable condition before the task, and the task phase (2 min) where the 1-back task was carried out. SpO2 was measured during each phase.

Results: As concentration level and supply of oxygen increased, SpO2 increased and response time of the 1-back task decreased.

Conclusion: Highly concentrated oxygen administration can increase SpO2 in the elderly and an increase in cognitive performance, such as a decrease in response time, can be observed.