VBS Mani Hypoxic Training Center

What is VBS Mani Hypoxic Training Center?

VBS Mani Hypoxic Training Center is India’s one of the leading hypoxic training
center aimed to help amateur as well professional athletes to enhance their
endurance capacity.

What is hypoxia?

Reduced pressure of oxygen is known as hypoxia.

What is the purpose of using hypoxic training for endurance sports?

The main purpose of using hypoxic training for endurance sports is to stimulate
physiological processes in the body to enhance endurance capacity.

Which sports benefits from hypoxic training?

● Running
● Cycling
● Triathlon and Ironman competitions
● High altitude marathon
● High altitude cycle race
● Racket sports such as tennis and badminton

Has it been beneficial for team sports athletes?

There is good evidence that hypoxic training is beneficial for team sports athletes
such as football.

How enhancement of endurance is achieved at VBS Mani Hypoxic Training
Center at BILD Exercise Clinic?

It is achieved through intermittent exposure to hypoxia inside the hypoxic chamber.

What are physiological changes that occur during intermittent hypoxic
training?

Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) induces the following changes.
● Increased ventilatory sensitivity to hypoxia.
● Increased haematopoiesis.
● Increased alveolar ventilation.
● Increased lung diffusion capacity.
● Stimulation of antioxidant defence mechanisms.
● Improved O 2 transport in tissues.
● Increases efficiency of oxygen utilization in ATP production.

(Source : Serebrovskaya TV. Intermittent hypoxia research in the former soviet union
and the Commonwealth of Independent States: History and review of the concept
and selected applications. High Alt Med Biol. 2002 Summer;3(2):205-21. doi:
10.1089/15270290260131939. PMID: 12162864.)

How to prepare for consultation at BILD Exercise Clinic for a hypoxic
training center related program?

● Bring your medical reports (if any).
● Bring your surgical reports (if any)
● Bring your prescription of medicines (if any)
● Bring your current workout plan

What to expect from the doctor?

● Our doctor will record a detailed medical history.
● Previous reports will be examined.
● A record of your current exercise regime will be noted.

What investigations are needed to be done prior to starting the hypoxic
training centre program?

● No specific blood tests/investigations are needed prior to intermittent hypoxia
training.
● Ideally, it is useful to undergo a routine hemogram before starting hypoxic
training.
● A detailed record of prior medical history is absolutely essential before our
doctor decides to enrol you for intermittent hypoxic training.
● Our doctor will take a final call about your enrolment into the program.

How hypoxia is created inside the hypoxic chamber?

Hypoxia is created by replacing oxygen with nitrogen. First nitrogen is filtered from
the outside air and then mixed with the air entering into the chamber. Depending
upon the amount of hypoxia needed the proportion of nitrogen that mixes with the air
going into the chamber will change.

Is it a hypobaric chamber?

No, it is not a hypobaric (less pressure) hypoxic chamber since the air pressure
inside the chamber is the same as that outside the chamber. It is a Normobaric
(normal pressure) hypoxic chamber.

How many days prior to the competition one should start with pre-
acclimatization?

Minimum a month before. Maximum two months before.

How to prepare for hypoxic training sessions?

● Eat light (don’t remain hungry for the session).
● Bring a napkin, light sweet snacks, a water bottle, gym clothes such as T-shirt
track pants, and indoor shoes.

● Changing rooms, toilet and drinking water facility is available near the
chamber.

What happens during hypoxic training sessions?

● We follow intermittent hypoxic training (IHT).
● It involves periodic exposure to hypoxia (inside the chamber) and normoxia
(outside the chamber).
● The duration of each phase and the number of cycles are decided as needed.
● Usually, 3 sessions a week are needed for a minimum of four weeks.
● Each session can go up to 1.5 to 2 hours.
● You will be either using a cycle, or a treadmill inside the chamber depending
upon your SpO2 levels and symptoms.
● Your SpO2 levels will be monitored continuously while inside and outside the
chamber.

How to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital?

• Reach the Super Speciality Building (SS building/new building) lobby/main entrance before time. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby and parking for needy patients. Click here for the Google map location of BILD Exercise Clinic.
• Parking is available based on availability. You can prefer public transport such as bus, auto-rickshaw, cab or taxi.
• If you are not registered as a patient and appearing for the first time as a patient at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital then try to come at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to complete the simple registration process at the ground floor reception of the super specialty building.
• Get an OPD entry pass (for patients) and an attendant pass at the ground-floor reception.
• Choose appropriate lifts (life no.1,2,3 ) at the ground floor to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD on the 11th floor.
• Depending upon patient numbers some waiting period is expected. Comfortable sitting, clean drinking water, a book reading section, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafeteria (on the ground floor and seventh floor) are available at your service.