Home › NCT07216755

Effects of Breathing Training and Nitrate on Exercise at Simulated Altitude

Impact of Respiratory Muscle Training and Nitrate Therapy on Exercise Tolerance in Simulated Altitude

Who can join

Ages 18 to 40 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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.

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) (device)
• Sham Respiratory Muscle Training (device)
• Dietary Supplement: Beetroot Juice Concentrate (dietary supplement)
• placebo beverage (dietary supplement)

Sponsor: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · Participants: 80 · Started: Sep 1, 2025

Contact the study team

• Scott Ferguson K Ferguson, Ph.D. · Phone: 386-226-7381

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07216755

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.