Effects of intermittent and progressive normobaric hypoxic training on altitude acclimatization

Objective Altitude acclimatization allows the personnel who rushed to high altitude with the decreased sensitivity to altitude illness.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of intermittent and progressive normobaric hypoxic training on altitude acclimatization.Methods Eight healthy volunteers were randomly and averagely divided into training group (exposure group) and control group.The normobaric chamber was utilized for the intermittent and progressive normobaric hypoxic training.Volunteers of training group ascended to the simulated high altitude in the chamber 210 min a day for 10 days,and the altitude was progressively varied from 3000 m to 4500 m while control group was not exposed to hypoxic environment.Physical and physiological parameters were monitored and recorded by YB-88BX monitoring system during hypoxic exposure training.Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was compared before and after intermittent hypoxic exposure.After completing the training,8 volunteers immediately rushed to the 3800 m plateau.The oxygen saturation value was compared between two groups.Results ① Compared with the value before training,mean oxygen saturation of training group was significantly increased [(86.7 ± 1.7)％ vs.(83.7± 3.3)％,t=3.66,P＜0.05] at 3600 m simulated altitude by 10-day training.② The training had no side effects on volunteers.③ After rushed to 3800 m plateau,the training group showed significantly higher oxygen saturation value than that of control group [(90.7 ± 1.2)％ vs.(84.8 ±2.0) ％,t=10.95,P＜0.01].Conclusions The intermittent and progressive normobaric hypoxic training is safe and effective on altitude acclimatization.The training can meet the physiological requirements of safe operation at altitude of 3800 m. Key words: Anoxia; Altitude; Environmental exposure; Acclimatization