Analysis of Muscle Oxygenation after a Normobaric Hypoxia Tolerance Test

Abstract

The aim of this work was to analyze the influence of acute normobaric hypoxia on quadricep oxygenation. Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) was measured using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) technology during a normobaric hypoxia tolerance test (NHTT). SmO2 was measured with a Humon Hex® device. In total, 54 healthy subjects participated, 68.5 of which were males and 31.5% of which were females. They performed an NHTT with the IAltitude® simulator, breathing air with an FiO2 level of 11% (equivalent to 5050 m). The maximum duration of the NHTT was set at 10 min, stopping if it reached 83% SpO2. The initial values (PRE) were compared with those obtained at the end of the test (POST) and after 10 min of recovery. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether (G1) they completed the ten minutes or not (G2). In total, 35.1% of men and 41.2% of women completed the 10 min. In both groups, significant differences were observed in the decrease in SmO2 values (p < 0.0001) (G1: PRE = 59.5 ± 12.48%; POST = 55.95 ± 14.30%; G2: PRE = 60.06 ± 13.46%; POST = 57.2 ± 12.3%). There were no differences between groups in any of the three periods. Exposure to normobaric hypoxia produces a decrease in quadricep levels of SmO2 in both sexes, regardless of whether the test is completed. Two patterns appeared: A.—less time and more hypoxia; B. a longer duration and less hypoxia.