CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Breath-Hold vs Standard Interval Training on Fitness in Mountaineers

Iran24 participantsStarted 2023-09-30

Plain-language summary

This study investigated whether adding structured breath-holds to standard interval training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in recreational mountaineers more than interval training alone. Twenty-four male recreational mountaineers participated in an 8-week progressive treadmill interval training program. Participants were divided into two groups: a controlled-breathing group that performed structured mid-tidal breath-holds during training, and a free-breathing group that maintained unrestricted breathing. The primary outcomes measured were resting heart rate and estimated maximal oxygen uptake, along with secondary measures including blood pressure and pulmonary function indices. The study aimed to determine if this mild voluntary hypoventilation technique provides additional physiological benefits for altitude preparation.

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years – 35 Years

Sex

MALE

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: * Male recreational mountaineers aged 25 to 35 years. * A minimum of 6 months of mountaineering experience with at least 3 sessions per month. * Willingness to attend at least 85% of the scheduled training sessions. * Negative responses to all items on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal disorders. * Current smoking. * Use of medications affecting heart rate or blood pressure. * Prior experience with structured hypoxic or breath-hold training.

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

Resting Heart Rate

Timeframe: Baseline (within 48 hours before the first training session) and post-intervention (within 48 hours after the final 8-week training session).

Estimated Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)

Timeframe: Baseline (within 48 hours before the first training session) and post-intervention (within 48 hours after the final 8-week training session).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07703839

SponsorMohammadreza Rezaeipour, MD, PhD

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-11-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Healthy Volunteers trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years – 35 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

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

What they're measuring

Resting Heart Rate

Timeframe: Baseline (within 48 hours before the first training session) and post-intervention (within 48 hours after the final 8-week training session).

Estimated Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)

Timeframe: Baseline (within 48 hours before the first training session) and post-intervention (within 48 hours after the final 8-week training session).