Beneficial Effects of Intermittent Normobaric Hypoxic Training on Respiratory Function in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Diseases

Abstract

In this chapter, we present the results of our studies regarding the INHT effects on respiratory functions in 103 high-risk chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, 157 bronchial asthma (BA) patients, and 36 healthy individuals. Patients ranged in age from 21 to 59 years (women – 52.1%, men – 47.9%). INHT was carried out in “Orotron” chamber under such environmental parameters: PO2 – 147–160 hPa, relative humidity – 60–70%, ambient temperature – 16–18°C, and content of light negative ions – up to 6,000/cm3. All patients received daily 90 min of INHT alone or INHT in combination with conventional therapy for 2–4 weeks. Total time of hypoxic gas mixture breathing for the whole INHT course ranged from 21 to 42 h. We performed pulmonary function tests in all patients before, during, and after INHT. Results of our studies indicated that INHT increased reserves of lung ventilation and restored the physiological level of alveolar ventilation in 78% of patients with COPD, optimized regional air distribution in lung, and decreased by 25–30% the lung ventilation unevenness. INHT reduced the bronchial resistivity by 31–37% in BA patients and changed the respiratory regulation in COPD patients and healthy individuals. It contributed to more complete restoration of the optimal structure of respiratory pattern. Further investigations will allow INHT to emerge as an important nonpharmacological therapy for care and rehabilitation of patients with pulmonary diseases.