Intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic training on cognitive performance in geriatric patients

Introduction Intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic training (IHHT) may complement a multimodal training intervention (MTI) for improving cognitive function and exercise tolerance in geriatric patients. Methods Thirty‐four patients (64–92 years) participated in this randomized controlled trial. Before and after the 5‐ to 7‐week intervention period (MTI + IHHT vs. MTI + ambient air), cognitive function was assessed by the Dementia‐Detection Test (DemTect) and the Sunderland Clock‐Drawing Test (CDT), and functional exercise capacity by the total distance of the 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Results DemTect and CDT indicated significantly larger improvements after MTI + IHHT (+16.7% vs. −0.39%, P < .001) and (+10.7% vs. −8%, P = .031) which was also true for the 6MWT (+24.1% vs. +10.8%, P = .021). Discussion IHHT turned out to be easily applicable to and well tolerated by geriatric patients up to 92 years. IHHT contributed significantly to improvements in cognitive function and functional exercise capacity in geriatric patients performing MTI.