Post-Exercise Hyperoxia for Recovery in Cyclists

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Healthy male road cyclists in Belgium undergo a fatiguing cycling session and are randomly assigned to four groups receiving different levels of oxygen exposure during recovery in a pressurized chamber. The intervention compares hyperbaric oxygen at 2.5 atm and 1.4 atm, among other conditions, to see if oxygen exposure after strenuous exercise improves recovery markers and subsequent performance. Participants are elite or near-elite riders (Elite 2 or U23) with substantial training history and high VO2max, ensuring a well-controlled athletic population. The study aims to clarify the potential benefits and dose-response of post-exercise oxygen exposure for endurance recovery. Safety and eligibility criteria exclude individuals with significant cardiovascular or metabolic diseases and those with contraindications to hyperbaric exposure.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Road cyclists competing in Elite 2 (Elite without professional contract) or Under-23 (U23) categories or equivalent \[Participation in national-level Belgian competitions within the previous 12 months. No specific ranking, finishing position, or performance threshold is required.\]
* ≥ 2 consecutive years of cycling experience at regional or national level, with structured and periodized training
* Cycling-specific training volume ≥ 8 h a week over the preceding 10 weeks
* Stable training load in the weeks preceding inclusion, with no major changes due to injury, illness, or abnormal overload
* Measured VO₂max ≥ 60 ml/kg/min

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, ENT, or metabolic disease, including but not limited to: Uncontrolled arterial hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg) ; Unstable heart disease or decompensated cardiomyopathy
* Contraindications to hyperbaric exposure, including: Untreated pneumothorax, History of spontaneous pneumothorax without medical clearance ; Pulmonary conditions associated with air trapping (e.g. emphysema or bullous lung disease), or abnormal thoracic imaging when indicated ; Recent thoracic surgery
* Neurological contraindications, including epilepsy, history of oxygen-induced seizures, or recent seizure activity, and any association with cannabis use
* Ear, sinus, or Eustachian tube disorders preventing adequate pressure equalization, including active infection or history of severe barotrauma
* Severe claustrophobia incompatible with chamber exposure

Where it's running

• Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain
  Louvain-la-Neuve, Brabant-Wallon, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Théo A MAHY, MSc
• Email: theo.mahy@uclouvain.be
• Phone: +32 10 474 489

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.