Does an 8-week intermittent hypoxic conditioning program improve flow-mediated dilation and cardiorespiratory fitness in elderly individuals?
Moderate intermittent hypoxic conditioning over 8 weeks significantly improved mid-term endothelial function in elderly individuals, suggesting a potential non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate age-related vascular decline.
Abstract Vascular aging involves reduced endothelial function, a key factor in cardiovascular diseases. Intermittent hypoxia may improve endothelial function and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), but its effects in elderly individuals, especially in the mid‐term, have not yet been studied. This randomized, single‐blind controlled trial aimed to investigate whether an 8‐week intermittent hypoxic conditioning (IHC) program may enhance flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and CRF in elderly individuals. Twenty‐six participants (60–80 year‐old) were assigned to either the IHC ( n = 12) or the control group (CTL: n = 14). The IHC group underwent 24 passive intermittent hypoxia sessions (3/week). Brachial artery FMD, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and ambulatory 24‐h blood pressure were assessed at baseline (Pre), immediately post‐intervention (Post 1), and 2 months later (Post 2). FMD showed a trend toward improvement in the IHC group, being significant when normalized for baseline artery diameter ( p = 0.023; η p 2 = 0.150) between Pre and Post 2. Peak ventilation during CPET increased from Pre to Post 1 ( p = 0.021), with no other significant CRF changes. Daytime systolic blood pressure decreased by 6 mmHg ( p = 0.070, η p 2 = 0.105). No significant alterations in these outcomes were observed in the CTL group ( p > 0.05). Moderate IHC enhanced mid‐term endothelial function, suggesting potential to mitigate age‐related vascular decline.
Randy et al. (Wed,) studied this question.