Vigilance Performance under Hypoxia: II. Effect of Work-Rest Schedule

Abstract

18 Ss were required to perform a visual vigilance task for 2 hr. while breathing either 21% O2 (sea level) or 10 9% O2 (17,000 ft.). The 2-hr. trial period contained either no rest periods, one 10-min. rest period, or three 10-min. rest periods. Vigilance performance deteriorated under 10.9% O2, and the introduction of rest periods did not reduce this decrement. Of two individual difference measures taken, IQ and Sensation-seeking score, only IQ related to vigilance performance and only at sea level (21% O2).