Breath-Hold workouts could give mountaineers an edge

NCT ID NCT07703839

First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether adding brief, controlled breath-holds to treadmill interval training improves cardiorespiratory fitness more than interval training alone. Twenty-four male recreational mountaineers will follow an 8-week program, with one group performing structured breath-holds during exercise and the other breathing freely. Researchers will measure changes in resting heart rate, estimated maximal oxygen uptake, and blood pressure to see if this mild hypoventilation technique offers extra benefits for altitude preparation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
a breathing maneuver called voluntary hypoventilation training (VHT) involving structured breath-holds during exercise
What this could lead to
If it works, this technique could help mountaineers and athletes improve fitness and prepare for high altitudes without special equipment.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early study in healthy men only, so results may not apply to women or less fit individuals. The breath-hold method may not provide extra benefit over standard training.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN RECREATIONAL MOUNTAINEERS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sport Sciences Department, University of Sistan and Baluchestan

    Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan, 98135-986, Iran

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.