Intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy in medical rehabilitation: Effects on body composition in patients with metabolic syndrome

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Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises a set of metabolic irregularities that elevate the risk of cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. The essential characteristic components are: high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, hyperglycemia and obesity (particularly central adiposity). MS represents a major public health challenge and current intervention methods have limitations in effectiveness and long-term adherence. Intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy (IHHT) is an innovative method that involves controlled and alternating exposure to hypoxia and hyperoxia. This technique mimics the effects of altitude training and stimulates the body's adaptive mechanisms, contributing to improved mitochondrial function, increased oxidative capacity and the regulation of metabolic processes. According to the literature, IHHT is an innovative method that causes significant changes in the parameters studied in patients with MS. Body composition plays an important role in maintaining health. It is affected by multiple factors: environmental conditions, genetics and lifestyle choices. Body composition assessment is essential for evaluating nutritional status, identifying risks associated with conditions such as MS and monitoring progress during dietary and lifestyle interventions. A randomized controlled trial was carried out with 40 participants diagnosed with MS, who were split into two groups. The intervention group, consisting of 20 participants, underwent intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy (IHHT), while the control group, also with 20 participants, received a placebo therapy. The study aimed to evaluate whether IHHT could positively affect body composition. The study found no significant differences between the groups regarding the analyzed parameters. However, both groups showed progress, highlighting the relevance of medical rehabilitation, even without a notable impact of IHHT. The study results suggest that medical rehabilitation can benefit body composition in patients with MS, even without the additional contribution of IHHT. The study highlights that improvements in body composition can be influenced by factors such as discipline and active participation of patients in rehabilitation programs, emphasizing the importance of constant involvement in the medical rehabilitation process as a key factor for achieving desired outcomes. However, the lack of clear results in improving body composition could be attributed to factors such as the relatively short duration of the intervention, the small size of the study groups, or the influence of the placebo effect on patients' perceptions.