1. Introduction
hypoxia, reduced learning, fatigue, Memory impairment
HYPOXIC, HYPOXIA
Memory impairment, reduced learning ability, decreased concentration, and psychomotor performance can be all signs of deleterious impact of hypoxia on cognitive functioning. In turn, physical exercise can improve performance and enhance cognitive functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the potential positive effects of exercise performed under normobaric hypoxia can counteract the negative effects of hypoxia on cognitive function, and whether these changes correlate with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. Seventeen healthy subjects participated in a crossover study where they performed two sessions of single breathing bouts combined with moderate intensity exercise under two conditions: normoxia (NOR EX) and normobaric hypoxia (NH EX). To assess cognitive function, Stroop test was applied. There were no significant differences in any part of the Stroop interference test regardless of the conditions (NOR, NH), despite a statistical decrease in SpOLow- to moderate-intensity exercise in normoxia enhances psychomotor function [There are data claiming that hypoxic conditions more likely have a negative impact on central executive tasks (such as executive function) than on non-executive tasks (such as perception, attention, and short-term memory tasks) [A different concept that could explain at least some of the decreased exercise performance in hypoxic conditions focuses on central fatigue [Another concept that could explain changes in executive functions in response to exertion is the cardiac-locomotor synchronization (CLS). Synchronization phenomena occur [The purpose of this study was to verify whether acute moderate exercise in normobaric hypoxia conditions would affect executive functions, peripheral BDNF concentrations, and whether there would be a correlation between them. We hypothesized that executive functions would improve after intervention as a result of an increase in BDNF concentration. We examined how executive function was affected after acute exercise in normoxic, as well as in normobaric hypoxic, conditions (FIO