CompletedNot Applicable

The Psychophysiological Effect of Simulated and Terrestrial Altitude

Switzerland20 participantsStarted 2019-06-24

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to compare the psychophysiological effects of terrestrial altitude with a normobaric, hypoxic situation.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy, adults aged 18 to 50 years * No cardiovascular disease and / or surgery * no surgery on the cardiovascular system. * No current injuries and / or pain * Regular and adequate sleep * No terrestrial altitude of 1000 m exceeded last month (including flights) * No form of hypoxia exposed last month Exclusion Criteria: * Age over 50 years * current injuries of any kind and / or pain * Acute and / or chronic pain conditions Known general diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus) * fear of hypoxia * fear of heights or sensitivity to terrestrial altitude * Regular use of medicines (also bought by yourself), except for contraceptives * Cardiovascular diseases or abnormalities * Anomalies of the blood analysis or ECG * Psychological disorders * pregnancy / lactation

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Oxygenation of the Brain

Timeframe: Baseline (participants seated for 15 minutes) and during the cognitive performance under normobaric hypoxia, hypobaric hypoxia, and control conditions (mean over time)

Oxygenation of the Blood

Timeframe: Continuously during the 15-minute seated baseline period before each trial (mean over 15min) and at the end of the step-up test (point measurement)

Mean Arterial Pressure

Timeframe: At the end of the 15-minute baseline seated period before each trial and at the end of the 3-minute submaximal step-test (Point measurements)

Heart Rate

Timeframe: at baseline and the end of the submaximal step test (point measurements)

Concentration of Blood Lactate

Timeframe: at the end of 15min baseline period and the end of the step-up test (point measurements)

Sleep Quality

Timeframe: Before the cognitive performance test (point measurement)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04075565

SponsorUniversity of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-03-31

Results submitted2025-08-19

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hypoxia trials