A recent study by Behrendt and colleagues (2024) investigated how alternating periods of low oxygen (hypoxia) and high oxygen breathing (hyperoxia) affect the body and perception during moderate-intensity cycling. Fifteen young, healthy men cycled for 40 minutes under three conditions:

– intermittent hypoxia–hyperoxia (IHHT),

– alternating hypoxia–normoxia (IHT),

– and normal breathing air (NOR).

The researchers measured heart rate, oxygen saturation in the blood and muscles, as well as perception of exertion, fatigue and enjoyment.

Among other things, IHHT can reduce physical stress during exercise without people feeling that they are working less hard or that it is less enjoyable.

This can be beneficial for recovery training (faster recovery between intensive periods), rehabilitation (safe training with lower load), vitality programmes (physical stimulation without overexertion).

If you would like to read more, please refer to the article on Pub Med.

Behrendt T, Bielitzki R, Behrens M, Jahns LM, Boersma M, Schega L. Acute psycho-physiological responses to submaximal constant-load cycling under intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia vs. Hypoxia-normoxia in young males. PeerJ. 4 October 2024;12:e18027. doi: 10.7717/peerj.18027. PMID: 39376227; PMCID: PMC11457877.