Cardiorespiratory Control in Hypoxia

At high altitude the oxygen availability is reduced due to the low barometric pressure. Humans exposed to this reduced oxygen availability undergo a variety of physiological changes that defend the uptake and distribution of oxygen to the different organs. These responses involve increases in pulmonary ventilation, arterial hemoglobin concentration, and blood flow. The regulatory mechanisms underlying the cardiorespiratory and hematological changes are complex and remain incompletely understood despite decades of research. We aim to further advance our understanding of these mechanisms and of their significance for altitude tolerance, physical performance, and health. Our studies range from laboratory studies in the terraXcube to field research, and include both lowlanders and native highlanders as participants.