Intermittent hypoxic therapy, also known as intermittent hypoxic training (IHT), is a technique aimed at improving human performance by way of adaptation to reduced oxygen.
An IHT session consists of an interval of several minutes breathing
hypoxic (low oxygen) air, alternated with intervals breathing ambient (normoxic) or hyperoxic air. The procedure may be repeated several times in variable-length sessions per day, depending on a physician's prescription or a manufacturer's protocol.
Standard practice is for the patient to remain stationary while breathing hypoxic air via a
hand-held mask. The therapy is delivered using a
hypoxicator during the day time, allowing the dosage to be monitored.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is the technique of gaining greater awareness of many physiology, physiological functions of one's own body by using Electronics, electronic or other instruments, and with a goal of being able to Manipulation (psychology), manipulate ...
can be delivered using a
pulse oximeter
Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method for monitoring blood oxygen saturation. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) readings are typically within 2% accuracy (within 4% accuracy in 95% of cases) of the more accurate (and invasive) reading of art ...
.
Effects
A number of effects are reported. It is important to differentiate between physiological adaptations to mild hypoxia and re-oxygenation episodes (i.e., the IHT protocol) and frequent nocturnal suffocation awakenings produced by
sleep apnea
Sleep apnea (sleep apnoea or sleep apnœa in British English) is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which repetitive Apnea, pauses in breathing, periods of shallow breathing, or collapse of the upper airway during sleep results in poor vent ...
, which might result in various pathologies.
Applications
IHT has been used to try to improve performance in sports. and has been used in a number of health conditions.
See also
*
Buteyko method
*
Hypoventilation training
Hypoventilation training is a physical training method in which periods of exercise with reduced breathing frequency are interspersed with periods with normal breathing. The hypoventilation technique consists of short breath holdings and can be p ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Intermittent Hypoxic Training
Respiratory therapy