Some Effects of Alcohol and Simulated Altitude on Complex Performance Scores and Breathanalyzer Readings,
Abstract
This study assessed possible interactive effects of alcohol and a simulated altitude of 12,500 ft. Each of 17 men was trained on the various tasks that comprise the Multiple Task Performance Battery and then performed over a 2-week period in four experimental sessions, viz, ground level (1,300 ft), with and without alcohol, and altitude (12,500 ft), with and without alcohol. Subjects breathered appropriate gas mixtures through oxygen masks at both groun level and altitude. Subjects performed for 3 hours in the afternoon. Alcohol doses were 2.2 mL of 100-proof vodka per kilogram of body weight mixed with three parts of a selected juice. Each 1-hour test block included five 10-minute performance periods with varying workloads and a 10-minute period for controlled breathanalyzer measurements. Results showed no differential effect of simulated altitude on breathanalyzer readings (peaks averaged .078% at 12,500 ft and .077% at ground level). The best performance occurred at ground level under placebo conditions; the 12,500-ft simulated altitude produced some decrement for the placebo scores were depressed by altitude. Thus, there was no interactive effect of alcohol and altitude on either breathanalyzer readings or performance scores. However, the general decrement produced by altitude (with or without alcohol) serves to reduce further whatever marglin of safety remains in performance skills following alcohol ingestion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA158925
Entities
People
- E. A. Higgins
- H. W. Mertens
- W. E. Collins
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration