Breathing muscle training plus dietary nitrate to improve exercise at simulated moderate altitude
Official title: Impact of Respiratory Muscle Training and Nitrate Therapy on Exercise Tolerance in Simulated Altitude
Run by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · NCT07216755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether breathing muscle training and beetroot-derived nitrate help healthy, active adults exercise better under simulated moderate-altitude (low-oxygen) conditions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Daytona Beach, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07216755 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18–40 who are non-smokers, free of known cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or neuromuscular disease, and able to perform maximal cycle ergometer exercise are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with heart, lung, metabolic, or neuromuscular disease, recent smokers or vapers, those taking medications or supplements that affect cardiovascular or respiratory function, or those unable to perform maximal cycling are unlikely to benefit and are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy, recreationally active adults are randomly assigned to one of four groups combining respiratory muscle training or a sham device with beetroot nitrate supplement or a placebo beverage. Interventions include a targeted respiratory muscle training program and dietary nitrate (beetroot juice concentrate) given before exercise, with controls for sham training and placebo beverage. Participants perform cycle ergometer tests to volitional fatigue under simulated reduced-oxygen conditions while investigators measure exercise tolerance, oxygen delivery, and physiological strain. The design compares effects of each intervention alone and in combination to see whether they independently or synergistically improve performance in hypoxia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost, non-drug approaches could help healthy people and operational personnel maintain endurance and reduce fatigue in low-oxygen environments.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that respiratory muscle training and dietary nitrate can each improve exercise performance or oxygen delivery in hypoxic conditions, but combining the two is less well studied and remains relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults between 18 and 40 years old. Recreationally active (performing ≥3 hours of structured physical activity per week). Non-smokers for at least the past 6 months. Free from any known cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or neuromuscular disease as determined by health screening questionnaire and medical history. Able to perform cycle ergometer exercise to volitional fatigue. Willing to abstain from high-nitrate foods and supplements (e.g., beets, spinach, arugula) for 48 hours prior to each testing session. Able and willing to provide written informed consent and comply with all study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of or history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma, COPD). Current use of medications or supplements known to affect cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory function (e.g., beta-blockers, nitrates, stimulants). Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use within the past 6 months. Known allergy or intolerance to beetroot products or nitrates. Participation in another interventional research study within the past 30 days. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Any orthopedic or musculoskeletal limitation preventing safe exercise testing. Failure to meet inclusion criteria or inability to complete familiarization and baseline testing.
Where it's running
-
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Scott K Ferguson, Ph.D. — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Study coordinator: Scott Ferguson K Ferguson, Ph.D.
- Email: ferguss8@erau.edu
- Phone: 386-226-7381
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.