Search Results (2)

Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of hypoxic exercise at different oxygen concentrations on body composition, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism in individuals with obesity, and to explore potential optimal oxygen concentration ranges to inform personalized hypoxic exercise prescriptions. Methods: We searched databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials and pre-post studies on hypoxic exercise interventions in obese populations published before 30 June 2025. A network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 software to assess the effects of various oxygen concentrations on BMI, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Results: Fourteen studies with a total sample size of 189 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed that exercise in a moderate hypoxic environment (12–14% FiO₂) significantly reduced BMI, FBG, TG, and LDL-C. Notably, hypoxic exercise did not show a statistically significant effect on HDL-C. In contrast, a higher oxygen concentration (≥15% FiO₂) was more effective for improving FINS and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: Hypoxic exercise can significantly improve the body composition, glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism indicators of obese people. Tailored exercise in specific hypoxic environments provides preliminary evidence for a non-pharmacological intervention strategy in obesity management. Full article

Aim: This systematic review aimed to explore the literature to identify in which types of chronic diseases exercise with supplemental oxygen has previously been utilized and whether this type of personalized therapy leads to superior effects in physical fitness and well-being. Methods: Databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, Web of knowledge and Cochrane Library) were searched in accordance with PRISMA. Eligibility criteria included adult patients diagnosed with any type of chronic diseases engaging in supervised exercise training with supplemental oxygen compared to normoxia. A random-effects model was used to pool effect sizes by standardized mean differences (SMD). Results: Out of the identified 4038 studies, 12 articles were eligible. Eleven studies were conducted in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while one study included coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. No statistical differences were observed for markers of physical fitness and patient-reported outcomes on well-being between the two training conditions (SMD −0.10; 95% CI −0.27, 0.08; p = 0.26). Conclusions: We found that chronic exercise with supplemental oxygen has mainly been utilized for COPD patients. Moreover, no superior long-term adaptations on physical fitness, functional capacity or patient-reported well-being were found, questioning the role of this method as a personalized medicine approach. Prospero registration: CRD42018104649. Full article