Hyperbaric VO2max Study

Effects of High Intensity Interval Training in a Hyperoxic-hyperbaric Environment on Exercise Performance at Altitude

This study seeks to examine the effectiveness of training while in a hyperoxic-hyperbaric environment for exercise performance at altitude. Subjects will complete a short, high-intensity interval training (HIT) program inside the hyperbaric chamber.Before and after this training phase, all subjects will be tested for maximum aerobic capacity at a simulated high altitude of 15,000ft in a hypobaric chamber, as well as for molecular markers of mitochondrial oxidative capacity in a skeletal muscle biopsy.

A group of individuals of similar characteristics completing this training program in a normoxic-normobaric environment will serve as a control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy, recreationally active or sedentary individuals

Exclusion Criteria:

• VO2max < 35 ml/kg/min - male 30 ml/kg/min - female
• chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases
• history of pneumothorax
• active smoker
• pregnant women
• non-english speaking
• not in full mental capacity
• blind
• sickle cell trait or disease