The Effects of Apnoea (hypoxia) Training, using voluntary Breath Holds, on High Altitude Adaptation: BREATHE-HA Study

Introduction: There is evidence that intermittent hypoxic exposure (IHE) may improve high altitude (HA) performance. In this study, the effects of short-term IHE through voluntary apnea training on HA-related symptoms, including acute mountain sickness (AMS), were examined for the first time.

Methods: Forty healthy adults were randomized to a self-administered apnea training (n = 19) or control (n = 21 no apnea training) group before ascent to an altitude of 5100 m in the Himalayas over 14 days. The apnea training was conducted at sea level (SL) and consisted of five breath holds per day in week 1, seven in week 2, followed by 10 per day from weeks 3 to 6 and until HA exposure. Saturation of arterial oxygen (SpO2), heart rate, sleep quality (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure, and Lake Louise scores were measured at SL (in the United Kingdom) and at HA at 1400, 2700, 3400–3700, 4050–4200, 4800, and 5100–5200 m. Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]) scores were examined at SL, 1400, and 5100–5200 m.

Results: Apnea training led to a significant increase in the mean longest breath-hold times from baseline (80.42 ± 32.49 [median 87.00] seconds) to the end of week 6 (107.02 ± 43.65 [113.00] seconds), respectively (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of AMS (8/19 = 42.1% vs. 11/21 = 52.4%; RR 0.80; 95% confidence interval 0.41–1.57: p = 0.80) or in GAD-7, ISI and RPE, SpO2, heart rate, or blood pressure among the apnea versus control groups, respectively, at HA.

Conclusions: Apnea training does not lessen HA-related symptoms in healthy adults traveling up to 5200 m. Larger studies using more challenging apnea protocols and at higher altitudes should be considered.