Breathing Training to Improve Human Performance at High Altitude
- Conditions
- Mountain Sickness Acute
- Interventions
- Device: Respiratory Muscle TrainingDevice: Sham Breathing Training
- Registration Number
- NCT03530163
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Colorado, Denver
- Brief Summary
Individuals traveling to altitudes above 8,000 feet may suffer from impaired exercise and cognitive performance, and acute mountain sickness (AMS). Decreased barometric pressure, which leads to low blood oxygen levels, is the primary cause of these disorders. Symptoms of AMS are characterized by headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. The goal of this research is to identify whether Respiratory Muscle Training will improve physical and cognitive performance, and reduce the symptoms of AMS, at simulated high altitude.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- Male
- Target Recruitment
- 28
- Healthy
- Men, ages 18-45 who are able to achieve at least 3.5 watts/kg of body weight during the peak oxygen uptake test
- Less than 18 years old
- Greater than 45 years old
- Have a body mass index greater than or equal to 30
- Have been recent smokers (tobacco or e-cigarettes)
- Current recreational or medical marijuana users
- Currently taking any medication (over-the-counter or prescription) or herbal supplements
- Participants who are unable to tolerate drinking only two, 6-ounce caffeinated beverages per day of the study
- Participants who are legally blind
- Participants who have been to altitudes above Denver (1609m or 5280ft), including air travel, in the 3 weeks prior to the start of the study or with plans to do so during the study
- Participants who have suffered a significant head injury, have anemia or sickle cell trait or disease, have active peptic ulcer disease, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease/cirrhosis, adrenal gland failure, hyponatremia/hypokalemia, tuberculosis
- Participants who have a current herpes infection or any other current type of viral or bacterial infection
- Participants with seizure disorders or history of migraines
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Respiratory Muscle Training Respiratory Muscle Training - Sham Breathing Training Sham Breathing Training -
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Change in incidence and severity of acute mountain sickness during acute simulated high-altitude exposure as determined by the Lake Louise Questionnaire (a diagnostic survey of acute mountain sickness). Baseline and during acute simulated high-altitude exposure. (2 days, 12 hours per day) Determine whether Respiratory Muscle Training performed 3x a week for 30 minutes per session is effective in reducing incidence and severity of AMS during acute simulated high-altitude exposure.
Change in exercise performance during acute simulated high-altitude exposure as measured by a peak oxygen uptake test and time to complete a 720kJ (40km) time trial on a Velotron cycle ergometer. Baseline and during acute simulated high-altitude exposure. (2 days, 12 hours per day) Determine whether Respiratory Muscle Training performed 3x a week for 30 minutes per session is effective in improving exercise performance during acute simulated high-altitude exposure.
Change in cognitive function during acute simulated high-altitude exposure as measured by the DANA cognitive test battery. Baseline and during acute simulated high-altitude exposure. (2 days, 12 hours per day) Determine whether Respiratory Muscle Training performed 3x a week for 30 minutes per session improves cognitive function during simulated high-altitude exposure.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Altitude Research Center
🇺🇸Aurora, Colorado, United States