Objective To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the mental and physical performance of immigrants from flatlands to highlands. Methods 20 subjects (young healthy men) who had been acclimatized to the plateau life at an altitude of 3 700 m were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 10). The experimental group was twice treated with HBO and the control group was left untreated. Pulse rate, arterial oxygen saturation ( SaO2 ) and mental and physical performance of both groups were tested 2 hours after the second HBO treatment. Results SaO2 of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (90.3±2.4 )%, while pulse rate (83.7±14.4) per minute of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (75.4±13.3). The mental and physical performance of the HBO group was better than that of the control group (52.89±3.91 ) and average mean time ( 189.67±12.43 ) ms. Statistical differences could be seen in the 2 groups. Conclusions HBO can significantly improve the physiological functions of those who immigrated from the flatlands to highlands and enhance their mental and physical performance.

Objective To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the mental and physical performance of immigrants from flatlands to highlands. Methods 20 subjects (young healthy men) who had been acclimatized to the plateau life at an altitude of 3 700 m were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 10). The experimental group was twice treated with HBO and the control group was left untreated. Pulse rate, arterial oxygen saturation ( SaO2 ) and mental and physical performance of both groups were tested 2 hours after the second HBO treatment. Results SaO2 of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (90.3±2.4 )%, while pulse rate (83.7±14.4) per minute of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (75.4±13.3). The mental and physical performance of the HBO group was better than that of the control group (52.89±3.91 ) and average mean time ( 189.67±12.43 ) ms. Statistical differences could be seen in the 2 groups. Conclusions HBO can significantly improve the physiological functions of those who immigrated from the flatlands to highlands and enhance their mental and physical performance.