# Effects of a 6-Week Intermittent Hypoxia–Hyperoxia Exposure Program on Blood Pressure, Respiratory Function, Cardiac Autonomic Nervous Activity and CRP Levels in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

## TL;DR

A 6-week hypoxia-hyperoxia program improved respiratory function, heart activity, and inflammation in older adults compared to a placebo.

## Contribution

This study provides empirical evidence on the benefits of intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia in older adults.

## Key findings

- Maximal inspiratory pressure increased significantly in the experimental group.
- C Reactive Protein levels decreased significantly in the experimental group.
- LF/HF ratio decreased significantly in the experimental group.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the effects of a six-week intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic exposure program on blood pressure, respiratory function, cardiac autonomic nervous activity and C Reactive Protein levels in older adults. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on twenty-two older adults. Heart rate variability, respiratory function, blood pressure, C Reactive Protein levels and oxygen saturation were measured at two time points: baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. Results: The maximal inspiratory pressure variable increased significantly in the EG (+7.50 ± 1.72 cmH2O, p < 0.01, ES = 1.17), while no changes were observed in the CG. The LF/HF variable decreased significantly in the EG (−1.23 ± 0.34 n.u, p < 0.01, ES = 1.11), with no significant changes in the CG. The C Reactive Protein variable decreased significantly in the EG (−7.00 ± 3.07 mg/L, p < 0.01, ES = 1.4), with no significant changes in the CG. Conclusions: Six weeks of intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic exposure was associated with trends toward improvements in blood pressure, respiratory function, cardiac autonomic nervous activity, and C Reactive Protein levels, compared with a placebo application of the same therapy.