What Researchers Did
Researchers tested a new type of hyperbaric chamber to see if it could help with low blood oxygen caused by high altitude, using both rabbits and adult human volunteers.
What They Found
This was a prospective, controlled study conducted with rabbits and adult volunteers at three altitudes on Mount Kun Lun, at 355, 2880, and 4532 metres. Blood samples were taken from both rabbits and volunteers before and after time in the hyperbaric chamber, and respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored in the human volunteers during treatment. The researchers state that the new multiplace plateau hyperbaric chamber may be used to alleviate plateau hypoxia by increasing patients' blood oxygen levels (PaO2). The abstract provided does not include the specific numeric results, so no exact figures can be reported here.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The available abstract is incomplete and cuts off before reporting the actual measured results or any statistical testing, so the strength and significance of the chamber's effect on oxygen levels, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure cannot be confirmed from this record.