Comparing Intermittent Hypoxic Training and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Athletes

Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) Versus Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Aerobic Performance - Prospective Randomized Study

This study is testing whether Intermittent Hypoxic Training or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helps healthy athletes improve their endurance and overall performance better over eight weeks.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 66 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: Male
• Sponsor: Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center (other gov)
• Locations: 1 site (Zrifin)
• Trial ID: NCT05447416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effects of Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on the aerobic performance of healthy active athletes. Participants will be randomized into two groups, with one group undergoing IHT and the other receiving HBOT, both following a guided training protocol over eight weeks. The study will evaluate physiological performance through various tests, including VO2MAX, time to exhaustion, and cognitive assessments. The goal is to determine which intervention more effectively enhances athletic performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are active aerobic athletes aged 18-45 with a VO2max above 3500 ml or VO2max/kg above 50 ml/kg.

Not a fit: Patients with active malignancies, major orthopedic injuries, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide athletes with a scientifically validated method to improve their aerobic performance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with both IHT and HBOT in enhancing athletic performance, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Vo2max above 3500 ml or Vo2max/kg above 50 ml/kg
2. Age 18-45
3. Subjects are active aerobic athletes, training regularly more than 4 exercise sessions per week.
4. Subject willing and able to read, understand and sign an informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to attend scheduled clinic visits and/or comply with the study protocol
2. Active malignancy
3. Active smokers
4. Previous treatment of HBOT for any reason prior to study enrollment.
5. Chest pathology incompatible with pressure changes
6. Major orthopedic injury at the past 3 months
7. Inner ear disease
8. Lung pathology
9. The inability to perform an awake brain MRI
10. Claustrophobia
11. Previous neurologic conditions (e.g., Epilepsy, Brain tumors or s/p neurosurgery etc.)
12. Comorbidities and medications that rule out the subject

Where this trial is running

Zrifin

• The Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) — Zrifin, Israel (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Shai a Efrati, MD — Asaf-Harofhe MC
• Study coordinator: Shai Efrati, Prof

Conditions: Healthy Active Athletes, triathletes, cyclists, mitochondria, HBOT, HBO, IHT