Unpublished MSc thesis, Victoria University, 2005/01, 77, type of study: ,rct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (http://vuir.vu.edu.au/843/)

Keywords:

blood pressure [47]
hypertension [41]
intermittent hypoxia [1]
randomized controlled trial [947]

Abstract:

While physiological effects of chronic inhalation of hypoxic air may be detrimental. studies have shown that intermittently breathing hypoxic air can be beneficial. Some of these benefits include increased red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, tissue capillarisation, and decreased heart rate. An interesting effect observed following intermittent exposure to hypoxia is a noticeable decrease in blood pressure (BP) in people with essential hypertension. This study aimed to repeat these results using a small, inexpensive, esy-to-use, portable Hypoxicator rather then the bulky, expensive, fixed Hypoxicators used in past studies. At this stage, the researchers do not have sufficient data to gain statistically significant results nor see any trends, as IH (intermittent Hypoxia) has shown to have no significant impact until at least two weeks of intervention. Further analyses will be undertaken at the completion of the data collection. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.