Comparing Intermittent Hypoxic Training and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Athletes
Official title: Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) Versus Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Aerobic Performance - Prospective Randomized Study
Run by Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center · NCT05447416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Zrifin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05447416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are active aerobic athletes aged 18-45 with a VO2max above 3500 ml or VO2max/kg above 50 ml/kg.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active malignancies, major orthopedic injuries, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with both IHT and HBOT in enhancing athletic performance, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
-
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
- Email: efratishai@outlook.com
- Phone: 972-8-9779393
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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.