Oxygen Prebreathe and Exercise to Prevent Decompression Sickness in Simulated Spacewalks
Official title: Exercise Prebreathe Study in Healthy Adult Volunteers to Evaluate Risk of Decompression Sickness During Simulated Spacewalk Conditions
Run by Duke University · NCT07702539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a oxygen prebreathe routine plus exercise can lower the risk of decompression sickness in healthy adults during a simulated spacewalk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 27, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 27, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07702539 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are non-smokers aged 30-60 with good aerobic fitness (VO2 peak >35 ml/kg/min for men, >30 ml/kg/min for women) and no major cardiopulmonary conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with pregnancy, lung or heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain, or those needing regular analgesics may not benefit or may be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy adults will undergo an oxygen prebreathe protocol followed by a hypobaric chamber exposure to simulate extravehicular activity. Participants will be monitored for symptoms and ultrasound-detected bubbles to assess safety and potential protection against decompression sickness. The study aims to identify practical prebreathe and exercise conditions that may reduce risk during hypobaric exposure. No results are reported here as this is a planning/description of the approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce decompression sickness risk during high-altitude or spaceflight-related activities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior approaches using prebreathe protocols and monitoring for bubbles have shown promise in related settings, but this specific combination with exercise in a hypobaric simulation is less established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Non-smoking volunteers aged 30-60 years * Able to meet VO2 peak requirements (\>35 ml/kg/min males, \>30 ml/kg/min females) Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Lung disease, heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes * Musculoskeletal pain conditions * Requirement for regular medications such as analgesics
Where it's running
-
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard Moon — Duke University
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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.