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Thirteen days of normobaric intermittent hypoxia increases SpO2 in a 71‐year‐old male
Author(s) -
Kambis Kenneth Wicker,
Yasukawa Mihio,
Moran Thomas,
Sobel Bart
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.lb732
Subject(s) - medicine , heart rate , effects of high altitude on humans , rating of perceived exertion , hypoxia (environmental) , cardiology , anesthesia , blood pressure , oxygen , chemistry , organic chemistry , anatomy
PURPOSE Normobaric Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure (NIHE) is thought to reduce risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during subsequent exposure to higher altitudes by increasing arterial oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SpO 2 ). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 13d of NIHE on older adult SpO 2 . METHODS A 71 y.o., 185 cm tall, 84 kg, healthy male informed volunteer, participated in this IRB approved study. A former marathoner, BR has a history of mitral valve replacement (1995) and hemorrhagic stroke (2001). After a thorough physical examination and stress test by a cardiologist, he was pronounced in superior fitness and approved for the study. BR was exposed to normobaric hypoxic simulated altitudes of 2438 m to 5486 m in ~300 m increments for 3–4h/d for 13d. Every 15 minutes of exposure, SpO 2 and heart rate (HR) were measured. On d0 and on d13, BR was exposed to 6 normobaric hypoxic simulated altitudes (1830 m – 4663 m). RESULTS During 13d of NIHE, SpO 2 was reduced from d1 (2486 m) to d13 (5486 m; r= −0.947, P< 0.001). When the d0 SpO 2 values at the 6 simulated altitudes were compared to d13 values, significant increases (P<0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS NIHE appears to be a safe and effective method of increasing SpO 2 in older adults preparing for strenuous high altitude exertion. Supported by: The Foundation for Aging Studies and Exercise Science Research and, The Borgenicht Program at William & Mary