A tracking investigation on cognitive function of training soldiers in high altitude area

    YANG Guoª²Yu1, FENG Zhengª²Zhi1, QIN Aiª²Fen2, LIU Yunª²Bo1, WANG Tao1, LIAO Yaª²Qing1, WANG Jiangª²Lan1, LIU Junª²Li1

    1Educational Center of Mental Health, College of Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China, 2467 Hospital of Chinese PLA, Shijiazhuang 050071, China

    ¡¾Abstract¡¿ AIM: To investigate the changes of cognitive function of soldiers trained in high altitude areas. METHODS: Cognitive ability test (number discrimination test, continuous calculation test and symbol cognition test ) was employed to continuously evaluate 50 training soldiers in high altitude areas. RESULTS: ¢ÙSignificant difference was found in the cognitive task rate of soldiers in areas of different altitudes(P<0.05). ¢ÚExcept for number discrimination test, significant difference was found in the cognitive task rate of soldiers sent to the high altitude areas at different times(P<0.01). ¢ÛSignificant difference was found in the cognitive task rate of soldiers undergoing military training of different phases(P<0.01). ¢Ü Significant differences were found in the cognitive accuracy rate of soldiers who were stationed at areas of different altitudes, sent to the high altitude areas at different times and undergoing military training of different phases(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: High altitude plays an important role in the cognitive function of soldiers under training. Its effect is related to the altitude of the area, the time of being sent to high altitude areas and the phase of military training. ......