Examination of Normobaric Hypoxia Training by ROBD (Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device) Part 2

Abstract

Hypobaric hypoxia is a serious threat to pilots and may result in fatal accidents because it induces cognitive decline and loss of consciousness. Military pilots regularly receive the hypobaric chamber training to learn countermeasures for hypobaric hypoxic environment. In the US Air Force Physiological Training Program, the Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device (ROBD) is used as an alternative to the hypobaric chamber refresher training. The ROBD produces normobaric hypoxia situation by delivering calibrated mixed gas to an oxygen mask. Japan Self-Defense Force is considering to introduce ROBD training. Our previous article reported on the efficacy of training profiles by using ROBD. However, the subjects were the experts in aerospace physiological training. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of ROBD training profiles in the case of adding non-expert subjects and in the night vision demonstration.