[The build-up of human reserve potential by exposure to intermittent normobaric hypoxia].

Effects of intermittent hypoxia at normal pressure (NPH) on physical and mental performance were studied in 32 essentially healthy human subjects. The 24-d NPH cycle was found to increase the maximal aerobic capacity as well as physical and mental performance. Growth of reserve and efficiency of the main physiological systems stipulated this gain in physical and mental performance. The authors make a presumption that NPH can be a part of preflight training, a measure to maintain an adequate level of human performance during orbital mission, and a method of rehabilitation post flight.