Effects of Breathing Training and Nitrate on Exercise at Simulated Altitude

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Healthy Adults, Mechanical Ventilation Dependence, Hypoxia, Exercise Training, Exercise Intolerance, Dietary Supplement, Nitrate Supplementation, Inspiratory Muscle Training

In brief

This study investigates whether respiratory muscle training (RMT) and dietary nitrate supplementation can improve exercise tolerance under simulated moderate altitude conditions. Exposure to reduced oxygen availability at altitude places additional strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which may limit endurance performance. By combining RMT-designed to strengthen the muscles involved in breathing-with nitrate therapy, which enhances nitric oxide availability and vascular function, this study aims to determine whether these interventions independently or synergistically improve oxygen delivery, reduce physiological strain, and enhance exercise performance. The findings will help identify non-pharmacological strategies to improve physical performance and tolerance to hypoxia in both clinical and operational environments.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07216755

Run by

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

People needed

80

Starts

2025-09-01

Expected to finish

2028-08-31

Last updated by the study team

2025-10-15

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Healthy adults between 18 and 40 years old.
• Recreationally active (performing ≥3 hours of structured physical activity per week).
• Non-smokers for at least the past 6 months.
• Free from any known cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or neuromuscular disease as determined by health screening questionnaire and medical history.
• Able to perform cycle ergometer exercise to volitional fatigue.
• Willing to abstain from high-nitrate foods and supplements (e.g., beets, spinach, arugula) for 48 hours prior to each testing session.
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent and comply with all study procedures.

You may not qualify if…

• Diagnosis of or history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma, COPD).
• Current use of medications or supplements known to affect cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory function (e.g., beta-blockers, nitrates, stimulants).
• Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use within the past 6 months.
• Known allergy or intolerance to beetroot products or nitrates.
• Participation in another interventional research study within the past 30 days.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Any orthopedic or musculoskeletal limitation preventing safe exercise testing.
• Failure to meet inclusion criteria or inability to complete familiarization and baseline testing.

Where it is running

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Daytona Beach, Florida, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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