To investigate the effects of two levels of acute hypoxic exposure and exercise compared to normoxia on the Stroop color word test. A total of 14 (4 females and 10 males) active participants with a self-reported (mean±SEM) 8.54±1.44 h/week of physical activity, performed a 3-repetition maximum hex/trap bar deadlift, Hand-Release Push-Up, and Leg Tuck events from the Army Combat Fitness Test at normoxia and normobaric hypoxia of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 16% and 14.3%. The Stroop color-word test was administered on a touch screen device before and after the exercise battery, where participants were given congruent (word and ink color matching) and incongruent (non-matching) prompts. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate were recorded at pre- and post-exercise. Variables obtained from the Stroop color word test were not influenced as a result of acute hypoxic exposure but did improve after an exercise battery. Peripheral oxygen saturation was greater during normoxia compared to acute hypoxic exposure which indicated a systemic change in oxygenation. The results of the present study indicated that the Stroop color-word test is not influenced by an FiO2 16% or 14.3%, however, exercise did improve Stroop score and response time.
Keywords: Stroop Color Word Test; cognition; high altitude.