Effects of RIC on Cognitive Function and Blood Oxygen Levels in Unacclimatized Adult at High Altitude

Effects of Remote Ischemic Conditioning on Cognitive Function and Blood Oxygen Levels in Unacclimatized Adult at High Altitude

Several studies have shown cognitive impairment such as memory, perception and learning skill during ascent to high altitudes. However, few studies have directly investigated the effect of high altitudes exposure on attention-a high-level cognitive function. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a noninvasive and easy-to-use neuroprotective strategy, It has been proven to be an effective strategy for neuroprotection in ischemic stroke and chronic cerebral ischemia patients.

This study will provide insights into the preliminary proof of principle, safety, cognitive dysfunction and blood oxygen levels protective effects of RIC in Adults Exposing to High Altitude Conditions, and this data will provide parameters for future larger scale clinical trials if efficacious.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The age was between 19 and 30 years.
• All participants should meet the criteria which included right-hand dominance, normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
• the RIC group volunteers have no history of intravascular thrombosis in the bilateral upper limbs;
• The high altitude participants move into the high-altitude environment within one month, and the low altitude volunteers have long-term life in low altitude areas.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction
• Severe hemostatic disorder or severe coagulation dysfunction
• Any of the following cardiac disease - rheumatic mitral and or aortic stenosis, prosthetic heart valves, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, sick sinus syndrome, left atrial myxoma, patent foramen ovale, left ventricular mural thrombus or valvular vegetation, congestive heart failure, bacterial endocarditis, or any other cardiovascular condition interfering with participation
• Serious, advanced, or terminal illnesses with anticipated life expectancy of less than one year
• Patient participating in a study involving other drug or device trial study 7. Patients with existing neurological or psychiatric disease that would confound the neurological or functional evaluations 8. Unlikely to be available for follow-up for 3 months 9. Contraindication for RIC - severe soft-tissue injury, fracture, or peripheral vascular disease in the upper limbs.