Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia stimulates erythropoiesis and improves aerobic capacity

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of a very short intermittent exposure to moderate hypoxia in a hypobaric chamber on aerobic performance capacity at sea level and the erythropoietic response. The effects of hypobaric hypoxia alone and combined with low-intensity exercise were also compared.

Seventeen members of three high-altitude expeditions were exposed to intermittent hypoxia in a hypobaric chamber over 9 d at simulated altitude, which was progressively increased from 4000 to 5500 m in sessions ranging from 3 to 5 h x d(-1). One group (N = 7; HE group) combined passive exposure to hypoxia with low-intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer. Another group (N = 10; H group) was only exposed to passive hypoxia. Before and after the exposure to hypoxia, medical status, performance capacity, and complete hematological and hemorheological profile of subjects were evaluated.

No significant differences were observed between the two groups (HE vs H) in any of the parameters studied, indicating that hypoxia alone was responsible for the changes. After the acclimation period, a significant increase in exercise time (mean difference: +3.9%; P < 0.01), and maximal pulmonary ventilation (+5.5%; P < 0.05) was observed during the maximal incremental test at sea level. Individual lactate-velocity curves significantly shifted to the right (P < 0.05), thus revealing an improvement of aerobic endurance. A significant increase was found in PCV (42.1-45.1%; P < 0.0001), RBC count (5.16 to 5.79 x 10(6) x mm(-3); P < 0.0001), reticulocytes (0.5 to 1.1%; P < 0.0001) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (14.2 to 16.7 g x dL(-1); P < 0.002).

It was concluded that short-term hypobaric hypoxia can activate the erythropoietic response and improve the aerobic performance capacity in healthy subjects.