Effect of intermittent normobaric hypoxia on systemic hemodynamics, biochemical blood composition and physical performance in elderly people

The goal of the research is to study the effect of intermittent normobaric hypoxia on cardiovascular changes, biochemical blood composition and physical performance in elderly people. Materials and Methods. The study examined a group of 15 healthy men, aged 60-65, who underwent a course of intermittent normobaric hypoxia for 3 weeks. During hypoxic sessions, oxygen concentration varied from 15-10 %. Blood sugar level, blood cholesterol level, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein, the Atherogenic Index, red blood cell count and oxygen capacity of blood were determined before and after hypoxic sessions. Respiratory minute volume, oxygen consumption, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiac output, and heart rate were estimated in the dynamics. Changes in physical performance before and after hypoxic sessions were assessed using a PWC150 test. Results. It was established that sessions of intermittent normobaric hypoxia lead to decrease in blood sugar level, total and low density lipid level, such sessions help to reduce and normalize blood pressure. Along with the increase in oxygen capacity of blood, oxygen supply of the organism, as well as physical performance of elderly people, improves. Conclusion. The results of the study show the possibilities of using intermittent normobaric hypoxia for correction of biochemical blood composition, blood pressure and general physical performance in elderly people.