CPAP use as training aid?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:25 am

Can anyone point me to studies or references of a nocturnal CPAP being used as a training aid WHILE exercising?

I found several studies online showing a CPAP showing athletic improvments in people suffering from sleep apnea when used at night, and for people using a CPAP while exercising if they had obstructed breathing issues already, but none that explictly listed it's use as a training aid for "regular" people.

Most studies used 4 to 10 cm H20, but for exercising I assume a nocturnal CPAP would have problems keeping up with it's set pressure due to the increased flow rates. Perhaps notched up to max pressure and turning off C-flex / bi-level modes?

Anyone have input, experience, or references for this topic?

roster · Post by **roster** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:02 am

if you want to comment on this, please go to Guest's lengthier explanation at viewtopic/t19492/CPAP-for-athletic-trai ... 5502dca8ab

At first look, I agree with Guest that this sounds dumb, but maybe there is a good discussion to be had.

RichCMH · Post by **RichCMH** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:08 pm

As for training, I would think the athlete would want to use the oxygen deprivation method. An athlete at Ohio State slept in a tent at night that duplicated the oxygen levels of a high mountain. So during the day, his body would respond to the regular "sea level" oxygen levels. He claimed he could perform better and not tire as quickly.

Other athletes use this method also.