Intermittent Hypoxic Training

Screening and Acclimatization for High Altitude Travelers

Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) is a process in which an individual is safely exposed to hypoxic air, air containing a lower amount of oxygen than that which we breathe at sea level. During the 1-hour training session, using a hypoxicator, the individual sits comfortably and breathes hypoxic air through a mask. The training consist of intermittent respiration cycles alternating between 5 minutes of "mountain" air and 5 minutes of normal air. This constant alternation between high and low altitude is what stimulates the body to adapt to lower levels of oxygen, magnifying the effects of acclimatization.

Training sessions are performed 4-5 times per week for a period of 2-4 weeks prior to departure. The best results are obtained when an individual program of supervised training is prescribed.

Pre-acclimatization can help individuals traveling to destinations above 3000m, or those traveling on extended flights in a pressurized airplane, where they are exposed to an oxygen level equivalent to that at an altitude of 6000-8000ft. IHT aids in reducing the effects of jet-lag and decreasing the symptoms associated with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) such as:

 

  • headache
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • breathlessness
  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • and difficulty sleeping

    • This allows for a decreased level of fatigue associated with travel and an increased level of productivity upon arrival to the individuals destination.

    At CITAEALTH, our High Altitude Medical and Hypoxic Screening enable individuals to gauge their susceptibility to altitude sickness and identifies those with a higher probability of becoming sick. Once identified, those at an elevated risk are provided with the tools and information necessary to take preventative measures for their travel.