Studied measure
Exercise Capacity
Some studies have reported improvements in exercise tolerance following a series of oxygen-conditioning sessions.
Oxygen Conditioning / Performance / Longevity
Intermittent Hypoxia–Hyperoxia Training (IHHT) in Hanover, Maryland
A personalized approach to oxygen conditioning at the Institute for Human Optimization. IHHT alternates short periods of lower and higher oxygen while you rest comfortably, and may support exercise capacity and resilience as part of a broader performance or longevity plan.
Oxygen Conditioning / Performance Medicine
What Is Intermittent Hypoxia–Hyperoxia Training (IHHT)?
IHHT is a guided oxygen-conditioning method that alternates brief periods of lower-oxygen air with oxygen-enriched air. Inspired by the body’s response to changes in altitude, these controlled cycles are designed to challenge how your body responds to oxygen availability.
At the Institute for Human Optimization in Hanover, Maryland, you complete IHHT while resting comfortably. Your settings are tailored to your individual assessment and goals. Research is exploring its potential effects on exercise capacity and other health measures; your care team can help determine whether it belongs in your broader performance or longevity plan.
At restCompleted seated and comfortable
TailoredSettings based on your assessment
IntegratedPart of a broader care plan
Oxygen Conditioning / Adaptive Physiology
How IHHT Works
IHHT alternates brief periods of lower-oxygen air with oxygen-enriched air. These controlled changes expose your body to a measured oxygen challenge while you rest comfortably.
Each session follows a repeating sequence:
Lower O₂
Higher O₂
Repeat
Phase 1
Lower Oxygen
A controlled challenge
You breathe air with a reduced oxygen concentration for a short, guided interval. This change creates a physiological signal that researchers are studying for its role in oxygen adaptation.
Phase 2
Higher Oxygen
The recovery interval
The lower-oxygen interval is followed by oxygen-enriched air. This transition brings the cycle back toward higher oxygen availability before the next interval begins.
Phase 3
Repeat
A plan built around you
Lower- and higher-oxygen intervals repeat throughout the session. Your care team adjusts the approach to your assessment and goals. Research is exploring whether a series of sessions can improve exercise capacity and other measures of health and performance.
Oxygen Conditioning / Emerging Research
Potential Benefits of IHHT
IHHT is being studied for its effects on exercise capacity and several measures of health. Results depend on the person, the protocol, and the number of sessions. Here is where human research has shown early promise.
Studied measure
Peak Oxygen Uptake
Researchers have examined whether IHHT can improve how much oxygen the body uses during exertion.
Studied measure
Cardiovascular Measures
Early studies in select populations have explored changes in blood pressure and related measures.
Studied measure
Metabolic Measures
Blood glucose has been studied as a possible response to repeated hypoxia–hyperoxia exposure.
Studied measure
Cognitive Performance
Preliminary research has examined attention and other measures of cognitive performance.
How we apply it
Personalized Conditioning
Sessions provide a structured oxygen challenge that can be tailored to your assessment and broader health goals.
Schedule a ConsultationThese are areas of ongoing research, not guaranteed outcomes. IHHT is not a substitute for medical treatment, and your care team will review whether it is appropriate for you.
The IHHT Experience / What to Expect
What Happens During an IHHT Session?
An IHHT session takes place while you sit or recline and breathe through a fitted mask. The device alternates lower-oxygen and oxygen-enriched air in guided intervals. Our team monitors your response and checks in on your comfort throughout the session. No exercise is required.
Seated or reclined
Continuously monitored
No exercise required
Your session, step by step
Six steps from check-in to follow-up
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Check-In
We ask how you’re feeling and review any relevant changes to your health or medications before starting. Your assessment and goals help guide the session.
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Get Comfortable
You settle into a seated or reclined position while we fit the breathing mask and explain what to expect. We check your baseline measurements before the oxygen cycles begin.
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Set Your Session
The oxygen levels and timing are selected for your individual plan. Your team will explain the settings and answer any questions before you begin.
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Breathe Through the Cycles
The device alternates brief intervals of lower-oxygen air with oxygen-enriched air. You can relax during the session; the process does not require a workout.
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Stay Monitored
We monitor your oxygen saturation, heart rate, and comfort. Tell us right away if you feel uncomfortable so the session can be paused or adjusted.
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Review Your Experience
After the cycles finish, we remove the mask and check in about how you felt. Your team can discuss next steps and whether additional sessions fit your broader plan.
Continue Your Journey
Make Oxygen Conditioning Part of Your Plan
Interested in IHHT? Contact the Institute for Human Optimization to ask about availability and whether it may be appropriate for you. You can also explore how IHHT fits within the Longevity Gyms membership experience.
An individual review of your health history and goals helps determine whether IHHT is appropriate for you.