[Comparative evaluation of pressure chamber training and high altitude adaptation to hypoxia in humans].

It was demonstrated that a 3-day pressure chamber training may increase the maximum tolerable "altitude" at rest from 8,600-8,900 m (depending on the onset rate of hypoxia) to 9,600 m. After pressure chamber training the maximum tolerable "altitude" increased from 8,200 m to 9,200 m, when exercising in a bicycle ergometer at 200 kgm/min and continuously ascending at a rate of 20 m/sec. A similar antihypoxic effect was also provided by a 7-day high altitude adaptation. Using polarographic measurements of oxygen tension in the skin, it was found that adaptation to hypoxia induced a more pronounced oxygen decrease at high altitudes. This can be attributed to a more distinct blood redistribution, i. e., a better blood supply to the vital organs at the expense of peripheral tissues.