High-altitude cerebral oxygen saturation detection using wireless wearable cerebral oximeter.

BACKGROUND

Hypobaric hypoxic conditions encountered at high altitudes can significantly impact the physiological functions of human body. Therefore, accurate and real-time monitoring of physiological characteristics is crucial for the prevention of brain injuries in individuals with acute and chronic high-altitude exposure.

METHODS

In this study, a wireless wearable cerebral oximeter (WORTH band) was used for the continuous, real-time monitoring of physiological parameters, including regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and heart rate (HR), among subjects with high-altitude exposure.

RESULTS

During the high-altitude (from 46 m to 4300 m) expedition task, there was a significant decrease in rSO2 accompanied by a corresponding increase in heart rate as the altitude increased. Additionally, during the long-term (52 days) high-altitude (from 356 m to 4658 m) cycling task, the altitudes were significantly correlated with the rSO2 and SpO2 in the elderly subjects.

CONCLUSION

The current findings indicate that the WORTH band oximeter can serve as a promising instrument for measuring rSO2 at high altitudes. We hope that the insights derived from this study could contribute to the management of cerebral oxygenation for individuals with high-altitude exposure and further expand the existing understanding of brain functional detection at high altitudes.