Effects of Normobaric Hypoxia and Different Exercise Modes on Blood Glucose Regulation in Overweight Adults

Obesity is a major global health issue and a primary risk factor for metabolic-related disorders. While physical inactivity is one of the main contributors to obesity, it is a modifiable risk factor with exercise training as an established, non-pharmacological treatment to prevent the onset of metabolic-related disorders, including obesity. Exposure to low-oxygen availability (hypoxia) via normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude via reduced inspired oxygen fraction), termed hypoxic conditioning, in combination with exercise has been increasingly shown in the last decade to enhance blood glucose regulation and decrease body mass index, providing a feasible strategy to treat obesity.However, findings from studies investigating the potential for hypoxia to augment the exercise training response and subsequent metabolic health are equivocal. Notably, there is a lack of information regarding the optimal combination of exercise variables and hypoxic severity to enable an individualized and safe practice of exercising in a hypoxic environment.In the present randomized, single-blind, cross-over study, the investigators will investigate the effects of single-bout of different exercise modes under moderate hypoxia (FiO2, 16.5%).The investigators hypothesize that all exercises combined with hypoxia improve glucose homeostasis in overweight individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:BMI is between 25-29 kg/m²Physical inactive (physical activity <150 min/week)No known heart or metabolic diseases (such as Type 2 diabetes)Not currently taking any prescribed medicationNo reported musculoskeletal injuries recentlyNot exposed to hypoxia >1000 m prior to the studyExclusion Criteria:Impaired glucose tolerance (2 hour glucose: >7.8 - 11.1 mmol/L)Type 2 diabetes mellitusObstructive sleep apneaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease