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

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.

NCT Number	NCT07703839
Lead Sponsor	Mohammadreza Rezaeipour, MD, PhD Collaborators: Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Federation of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Sistan and Baluchestan Province
Conditions	Healthy Volunteers
Enrollment	24 participants
Start Date	2023-09-30
Primary Completion	2023-11-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2023-11-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-20