SOFT 2004 Meeting Abstracts - Society of Forensic Toxicologists

BIO
LOW BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELS, ATTENTIVE FUNCTIONS AND BODY SWA Y
Raffaele Giorgetti, Santo Davide Ferrara*, Massimo Montisci, Rossella Snenghi, Silvano Zancaner, Mirella Libero: Centre of
Behavioural and Forensic Toxicology, University of Pad ova, Italy
This double-blind study aimed at examining the effects of low blood alcohol levels (BAC) with placebo control and random
cross-over distribution. Psychomotor performance and body sway were studied in 16 healthy volunteers after intake of low
doses of ethyl alcohol (0.5 glkg). Neurosensory and psychomotor functions were assessed by a Divided Attention Test (DAT)
together with Short-Term Memory and Response Competition Tests (RCT). Changes in body sway were recorded by a
stabilometer. Tests were administered at 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after alcohol intake. Tests were repeated with a wash-out
period ofone week. BAC was monitored by breathalyser and analysis of blood levels.
Statistical analysis showed that., as regards the RCT, the number of errors did not increase in a statistically significant way (p =
0.9071) in any of the experimental phases after alcohol intake (Table I). Only the time effect (learning effect) reached
statistical significance.
TABLE I- Response Competition Test
Treatment Time Treatment x Time
F T p-value F I p-value F I p-value
Errors 0.001 1 0.9071 10.61 I