Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025
Walk with Me Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Walking for Older Adults with Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 16, 2023
Acute psycho-physiological responses to perceptually regulated hypoxic and normoxic interval walks in
Liam Hobbins1, Olivier Girard2, Nadia Gaoua1
1Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre (SESRC), London South Bank University, United Kingdom.
Objectives:
We investigated psycho-physiological responses to perceptually regulated interval walks in hypoxia versus normoxia in obese individuals.
Design:
Within-participants repeated measures.
Methods:
Ten obese adults (BMI=32±3kg/m-2) completed a 60-min interval session (15×2min walking at a rating of perceived exertion of 14 on the 6-20 Borg scale with 2min of rest) either in hypoxia (FiO2=13.0%, HYP) or normoxia (NOR). A third trial replicating the HYP speed pattern was carried out in normoxia as a control (CON). Exercise responses were analysed comparing the average of 1st to 3rd exercise bouts to those of the 4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th and 13th-15th exercise bouts (block 1 versus 2, 3, 4 and 5).
Results:
Treadmill speed was slower during block 4 (6.14±0.67 versus 6.24±0.73km/h-1) and block 5 (6.12±0.64 versus 6.25±0.75km/h-1) in HYP compared to NOR or CON (p=0.009). Compared to NOR and CON, heart rate was +6-10% higher (p=0.001), whilst arterial oxygen saturation (-12-13%) was lower (p<0.001) in HYP. Perceived limb discomfort was lower in HYP and CON versus NOR (-21±4% and -34±6%; p=0.004).
Conclusions:
In overweight-to-obese adults, perceptually regulated interval walks in hypoxia versus normoxia leads to progressively slower speeds along with lower limb discomfort and larger physiological stress than normoxia. Walking at the speed adopted in hypoxia produces similar psycho-physiological responses at the same absolute intensity in normoxia.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...