In recent years, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been implicated in PD pathophysiology. Intermittent hypoxia therapy (IHT) is an upcoming treatment used by elite athletes as well as fragile individuals in clinical settings that works by improving exercise tolerance, neuroplasticity and inducing hypoxic preconditioning (HPC). HPC might improve the oxidative stress response in PD on the long-term. In addition, preclinical evidence suggests beneficial short-term effects such as influence on dopamine and noradrenalin release. Anecdotal evidence indeed suggests that visiting high-altitude areas improves PD symptoms and it is hypothesized that this effect results from decreased oxygen pressure at high altitudes. The safety and feasibility of (intermittent) hypoxia therapy on PD symptoms will be assessed in an exploratory phase I randomized-controlled trial.
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Nature and number of adverse events
Timeframe: Until 3 days post-intervention
Self-reported dizziness, discomfort and stress on a ten-point scale
Timeframe: Until 3 days post-intervention
Blood pressure
Timeframe: Baseline and every 5 mins until 30 mins post-intervention
Heartrate
Timeframe: Baseline and every 5 mins until 30 mins post-intervention
Respiratory rate
Timeframe: Baseline and every 5 mins until 30 mins post-intervention
Oxygen saturation
Timeframe: Baseline and every 5 mins until 30 mins post-intervention
Feasibility questionnaire
Timeframe: After 1st, 5th, 10th post-intervention test