IHHT (altitude training)

Interval hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy - altitude training for your health

MITOVIT® hypoxia training is a modern, low-impact method in which you breathe in controlled, oxygen-reduced air—similar to spending time in the mountains. This therapy naturally stimulates your metabolism. During Interval Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training (IHHT), you alternate between breathing in oxygen-depleted and oxygen-rich air. This creates a controlled training stimulus that mimics the conditions of being at high altitude—without requiring you to exert yourself physically during the session.

At the ROC, we perform IHHT using the MITOVIT® system while you are comfortably seated or lying down. The settings are adjusted to your physical condition and your response during the training session.

What does IHHT stand for?

IHHT stands for Interval Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training:

• Hypoxia refers to a period during which the oxygen content in the inhaled air is reduced.
• Hyperoxia refers to a recovery phase characterized by elevated oxygen levels.
• "Interval" means that the two phases alternate several times during a session.

The MITOVIT® system can provide breathing air with an oxygen concentration of approximately 9 to 18 percent during hypoxia phases and up to 30 percent during hyperoxia phases. Depending on the selected program, recovery phases can also take place using normal room air. Since the training takes place under normal pressure conditions, it does not constitute an actual stay at high altitude. However, the reduced oxygen content of the breathing air is intended to provide a comparable physiological stimulus.

Potential Benefits of IHHT Altitude Training

Controlled training with varying oxygen concentrations can stimulate the body's adaptive processes. Depending on an individual's baseline condition, training goal, and the number of sessions, IHHT can:

• support physical stamina and endurance
• support recovery after physical or athletic exertion
• practice adapting to a temporarily reduced oxygen level
• used to prepare for athletic activities or stays at high altitudes
• promote subjective well-being and relaxation
• may have positive effects on certain metabolic and cardiovascular parameters
• provide an additional training stimulus without putting physical strain on the joints and muscles

Another advantage is the controlled nature of the session: The training takes place comfortably while sitting or lying down. Oxygen saturation and heart rate are monitored throughout the session, and the oxygen supply can be adjusted based on your individual response. Passive training can be particularly beneficial for people with orthopedic conditions when active endurance training is temporarily limited.

Who might be a good candidate for IHHT?

The IHHT may be a good complementary option for people who:

• want to improve their physical endurance
• want to support their recovery after physical exertion
• prepare for stays or athletic activities at high altitudes
• are able to engage in active exercise only to a limited extent due to physical limitations
• are looking for a complementary method to incorporate into their training or recovery plan

IHHT is also sometimes used to treat fatigue, sleep problems, stress, or metabolic disorders. While preliminary scientific studies have been conducted in these areas, no reliable individual treatment outcomes can be derived from them.

Preparing for Altitude Training

Immediately before your appointment, you should avoid stimulating beverages and nicotine. Try to arrive at your training session well-rested, and avoid strenuous physical activity right before it.

Please let us know in advance about:

• known cardiovascular diseases
• Lung Diseases
• medications taken regularly
• acute infections or fever
• current headaches
• a pregnancy
• active cancer
• Previous problems during stays at high altitudes

You should not stop taking or change your medication on your own before exercising.

When should IHHT not be performed?

IHHT is not suitable for everyone. The following factors, in particular, may make this training unsuitable:

• acute viral or bacterial infections
• Fever
• severe, sudden headaches
• a known intolerance to oxygen deprivation
• a pregnancy
• severe heart failure
• certain acute or insufficiently stable cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases
• active cancer

Whether training is possible must be assessed on a case-by-case basis by a doctor for those with existing medical conditions. If necessary, approval from a specialist may be required in advance.

Possible Reactions to the Training

Most people find exercising while sitting or lying down to be calm and not very strenuous. However, due to the temporary reduction in oxygen levels, you may experience fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, heart palpitations, or a feeling of shortness of breath, among other symptoms. Our team is always there for you should you feel unwell.

Your IHHT Altitude Training at the ROC in Aschheim

Before the workout begins, we’ll discuss your goals with you and determine whether there are any health-related reasons that would preclude you from participating in IHHT. During the session, your oxygen saturation and heart rate will be monitored, and the workout program will be adjusted based on your response. This allows IHHT to be safely integrated into your personal workout or recovery plan. Experience the restorative and energizing effects of IHHT for yourself.