Postural stability during slow-onset and rapid-onset hypoxia.

The standing steadiness and postural tremor of seven male volunteers were examined during slow and rapid induction of hypoxia. Spectrum analysis of position coordinates and tremor data generated from a quartz multicomponent force measuring platform and a tremor transducer showed that postural tremor (pt) and anteroposterior sway (ay) increased significantly during hypoxia. Rate of onset of hypoxia, however, did not affect the development of the increased tremor, whereas rapid-onset hypoxia consistently induced a greater anteroposterior sway than slow-onset hypoxia. Lateral sway (ax) was not affected by either slow- or rapid-onset hypoxia; however, it was significantly greater when eyes were closed compared to when they were opened. Anteroposterior sway (ay) was also significantly greater when visual cues were eliminated during both slow- and rapid-onset hypoxia. Heart rate (HR) and cardiac index (CI) of subjects increased significantly during both conditions of hypoxia.