Intermittent Oxygen Fasting and Digital Technologies: from Antistress and Hormones Regulation to Wellbeing, Bliss and Higher Mental States
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Low oxygen breathing has been the subject of considerable research in recent years. The present review aims to determine the physiological and neuropsychological benefits of low-oxygen training. Specifically, we explored the ways low oxygen affects hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors responsible for neuroplasticity, higher cognition and positive emotions. In addition, we shed light on the importance of hypoxia to expand the conscious experience. Furthermore, we investigate the role of digital technologies in assisting hypoxic training. The results showed that oxygen deprivation, under certain circumstances, has beneficial effects on cognition, mood and consciousness. It was observed an increase in growth factors, which are responsible for tissue repair and regeneration. Hypoxia also was found to stimulate the hormones of pleasure, happiness, pain tolerance, socialization and relaxation. Interestingly, people under hypoxic conditions are more likely to have transcendental experiences -even to develop ‘superhuman’ abilities. Digital technologies facilitate the safe implementation of hypoxic training enabling users to take control of a powerful tool, which is none other than breathing. Metacognition in breathing can help people consciously and safely manipulate their breathing by moving themselves away from their comfort zone and exploring new pathways to rewire their brains and plumb the depths of their physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual potential.
Article Details
References
Arzy, S., Idel, M., Landis, T., & Blanke, O. (2005). Why revelations have occurred on mountains?: Linking mystical experiences and cognitive neuroscience. Medical hypotheses, 65(5), 841-845.
Bao, X., Tan, J. W., Long, Y., Liu, H., & Liu, H. Y. (2019). Effect of intermittent hypoxia training for dizziness: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 28(6), 540-543.
Benton, M. L., Courtney, R., & Warren, A. C. (2019). 1011 Telehealth Breath Training for Alleviation of Sleep Disturbed Breathing: a Pilot Study. Sleep, 42(Supplement_1), A407-A407.
Benner, A., Patel, A. K., Singh, K., & Dua, A. (2018). Physiology, Bohr Effect.
Bickler, P. E., Feiner, J. R., Lipnick, M. S., Batchelder, P., MacLeod, D. B., & Severinghaus, J. W. (2017). Effects of acute, profound hypoxia on healthy humans: implications for safety of tests evaluating pulse oximetry or tissue oximetry performance. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 124(1), 146-153.
Bruggeman, K. J., & Wurster, S. W. (2018). The hiatus system: virtual healing spaces: low dose mindfulness based stress reduction virtual reality application. In ACM SIGGRAPH 2018 Appy Hour (pp. 1-2).
Butt, U. J., Steixner-Kumar, A. A., Depp, C., Sun, T., Hassouna, I., Wustefeld, L.,& Ehrenreich, H. (2021). Hippocampal neurons respond to brain activity with functional hypoxia. Molecular psychiatry, 26(6), 1790-1807.
Burtch, A. R., Ogle, B. T., Sims, P. A., Harms, C. A., Symons, T. B., Folz, R. J., & Zavorsky, G. S. (2017). Controlled frequency breathing reduces inspiratory muscle fatigue. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(5), 1273-1281
Calderon-Jofre, R., Moraga, D., & Moraga, F. A. (2022). The Effect of Chronic Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia on Sleep Quality and Melatonin Serum Levels in Chilean Miners. Frontiers in physiology, 2522.
Chater, A. M. (2021). Does intentional asphyxiation by strangulation have addictive properties?. Addiction, 116(4), 718-724.
Chen, X. Q., & Du, J. Z. (1999). Hypoxia induces oxytocin release in the rat. Neuroendocrinology Letters, 20(6), 373-378.
Chen, X. Q., & Du, J. Z. (2000). Hypoxia influences enkephalin release in rats. Neuroreport, 11(7), 1555-1557.
Chittaro, L., & Sioni, R. (2014). Evaluating mobile apps for breathing training: The effectiveness of visualization. Computers in Human Behavior, 40, 56-63.
Correia, S. C., Machado, N. J., Alves, M. G., Oliveira, P. F., & Moreira, P. I. (2021). Intermittent hypoxic conditioning rescues cognition and mitochondrial bioenergetic profile in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(1), 461.
de Aquino Lemos, V., Dos Santos, R. V. T., Antunes, H. K. M., Behn, C., Viscor, G., Lira, F. S., ... & De Mello, M. T. (2018). Melatonin and sleep responses to normobaric hypoxia and aerobic physical exercise: A randomized controlled trial. Physiology & behavior, 196, 95-103.
de Aquino-Lemos, V., Santos, R. V. T., Antunes, H. K. M., Lira, F. S., Bittar, I. G. L., Caris, A. V., ... & de Mello, M. T. (2016). Acute physical exercise under hypoxia improves sleep, mood and reaction time. Physiology & behavior, 154, 90-99.
De Groote, E., Britto, F. A., Bullock, L., Francois, M., De Buck, C., Nielens, H., & Deldicque, L. (2018). Hypoxic training improves normoxic glucose tolerance in adolescents with obesity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 50(11), 2200-2208.
Drigas, A., & Mitsea, E. (2021). Metacognition, Stress-Relaxation Balance & Related Hormones. Int. J. Recent Contributions Eng. Sci. IT, 9(1), 4-16.
Drigas, A., & Mitsea, E. (2022). Breathing: a Powerfull Tool for Physical & Neuropsychological Regulation. The role of Mobile Apps. Technium Soc. Sci. J., 28, 135.
Feuerecker, M., Hauer, D., Toth, R., Demetz, F., Holzl, J., Thiel, M., ... & Chouker, A. (2012). Effects of exercise stress on the endocannabinoid system in humans under field conditions. European journal of applied physiology, 112(7), 2777-2781.
Gamboa, A., Gamboa, J. L., Holmes, C., Sharabi, Y., Leon-Velarde, F., Fischman, G. J., ... & Goldstein, D. S. (2006). Plasma catecholamines and blood volume in native Andeans during hypoxia and normoxia. Clinical Autonomic Research, 16(1), 40-45.
Gaume, A., Vialatte, A., Mora-Sanchez, A., Ramdani, C., & Vialatte, F. B. (2016). A psychoengineering paradigm for the neurocognitive mechanisms of biofeedback and neurofeedback. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 68, 891-910.
Giggins, O. M., Persson, U. M., & Caulfield, B. (2013). Biofeedback in rehabilitation. Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, 10(1), 1-11.
Huber, R. S., Kim, T. S., Kim, N., Kuykendall, M. D., Sherwood, S. N., Renshaw, P. F., & Kondo, D. G. (2018). Association between altitude and regional variation of ADHD in youth. Journal of attention disorders, 22(14), 1299-1306.
Isetta, V., Ruiz, M., Farre, R., & Montserrat, J. M. (2015). Supporting patients receiving CPAP treatment: the role of training and telemedicine. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea European Respiratory Society, 280-92.
Jordan, T. B., Meyers, C. L., Schrading, W. A., & Donnelly, J. P. (2020). The utility of iPhone oximetry apps: a comparison with standard pulse oximetry measurement in the emergency department. The American journal of emergency medicine, 38(5), 925-928.
Kaur, C., Srinivasan, K. N., Singh, J., Peng, C. M., & Ling, E. A. (2002). Plasma melatonin, pinealocyte morphology, and surface receptors/antigen expression on macrophages/microglia in the pineal gland following a high-altitude exposure. Journal of neuroscience research, 67(4), 533-543.
Komiyama, T., Katayama, K., Sudo, M., Ishida, K., Higaki, Y., & Ando, S. (2017). Cognitive function during exercise under severe hypoxia. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 1-11.
Kobayashi, M., Kurata, S., Sanuki, T., Okayasu, I., & Ayuse, T. (2014). Management of post-hyperventilation apnea during dental treatment under monitored anesthesia care with propofol. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 8(1), 1-5.
Komori, T. (2018). Extreme prolongation of expiration breathing: Effects on electroencephalogram and autonomic nervous function. Mental illness.
Kumar, G. K. (2011). Hypoxia. 3. Hypoxia and neurotransmitter synthesis. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 300(4), C743-C751.
Kushwah, N., Jain, V., Deep, S., Prasad, D., Singh, S. B., & Khan, N. (2016). Neuroprotective role of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in unpredictable chronic mild stress induced depression in rats. PLoS One, 11(2), e0149309.
Ling, L., Fuller, D. D., Bach, K. B., Kinkead, R., Olson, E. B., & Mitchell, G. S. (2001). Chronic intermittent hypoxia elicits serotonin-dependent plasticity in the central neural control of breathing. Journal of Neuroscience, 21(14), 5381-5388.
Liu, X., Xu, D., Hall, J. R., Ross, S., Chen, S., Liu, H., ... & Shi, X. (2017). Enhanced cerebral perfusion during brief exposures to cyclic intermittent hypoxemia. Journal of Applied Physiology, 123(6), 1689-1697.
Lopata, V. A., & Serebrovskaya, T. V. (2012). Hypoxicators: review of the operating principles and constructions. Intermittent Hypoxia and Human Diseases, 291-302.
Loprinzi, P. D., Matalgah, A., Crawford, L., Yu, J. J., Kong, Z., Wang, B., ... & Zou, L. (2019). Effects of acute normobaric hypoxia on memory interference. Brain sciences, 9(11), 323.
Malshe, P. C. (2011). Nisshesha rechaka pranayama offers benefits through brief intermittent hypoxia. Ayu, 32(4), 451.
Manno, F. A. (2019). Monk on fire: The meditative mind of a burning monk. Cogent Psychology, 6(1), 1678556.
Mateika, J. H., El-Chami, M., Shaheen, D., & Ivers, B. (2015). Intermittent hypoxia: a low-risk research tool with therapeutic value in humans. Journal of applied physiology, 118(5), 520-532.
Meng, S. X., Wang, B., & Li, W. T. (2020). Intermittent hypoxia improves cognition and reduces anxiety-related behavior in APP/PS1 mice. Brain and Behavior, 10(2), e01513.
Michela, A., van Peer, J. M., Brammer, J. C., Nies, A., van Rooij, M. M., Oostenveld, R., ... & Granic, I. (2022). Deep-breathing biofeedback trainability in a virtual-reality action game: A single-case design study with police trainers.
Miyamura, M., Nishimura, K., Ishida, K., Katayama, K., Shimaoka, M., & Hiruta, S. (2002). Is man able to breathe once a minute for an hour?: the effect of yoga respiration on blood gases. The Japanese Journal of Physiology, 52(3), 313-316.
Mitsea, E., Drigas, A., & Skianis, C. (2022). Breathing, Attention & Consciousness in Sync: The role of Breathing Training, Metacognition & Virtual Reality. Technium Soc. Sci. J., 29, 79.
Morris, M., & Guilak, F. (2009). Mobile heart health: project highlight. IEEE Pervasive Computing, 8(2), 57-61.
Navarrete-Opazo, A., & Mitchell, G. S. (2014). Therapeutic potential of intermittent hypoxia: a matter of dose. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 307(10), R1181-R1197.
Ohkuwa, T., Itoh, H., Yamamoto, T., Minami, C., Yamazaki, Y., Kimoto, S., & Yoshida, R. (2004). Effects of hypoxia and hypoxic training on 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and glutathione levels in the liver. Metabolism, 53(6), 716-719.
Orset, C., Parrot, S., Sauvinet, V., Cottet-Emard, J. M., Berod, A., Pequignot, J. M., & Denoroy, L. (2005). Dopamine transporters are involved in the onset of hypoxia-induced dopamine efflux in striatum as revealed by in vivo microdialysis. Neurochemistry international, 46(8), 623-633.
Ozaki, H., Watanabe, S., & Suzuki, H. (1995). Topographic EEG changes due to hypobaric hypoxia at simulated high altitude. Electroencephalography and clinical Neurophysiology, 94(5), 349-356.
Papadelis, C., Kourtidou-Papadeli, C., Bamidis, P. D., Maglaveras, N., & Pappas, K. (2007). The effect of hypobaric hypoxia on multichannel EEG signal complexity. Clinical neurophysiology, 118(1), 31-52.
Perry, G., Polito, V., & Thompson, W. F. (2021). Rhythmic chanting and mystical states across traditions. Brain Sciences, 11(1), 101.
Pham, Q., Khatib, Y., Stansfeld, S., Fox, S., & Green, T. (2016). Feasibility and efficacy of an mHealth game for managing anxiety:"flowy" randomized controlled pilot trial and design evaluation. Games for health journal, 5(1), 50-67.
Ray, K., Dutta, A., Panjwani, U., Thakur, L., Anand, J. P., & Kumar, S. (2011). Hypobaric hypoxia modulates brain biogenic amines and disturbs sleep architecture. Neurochemistry international, 58(1), 112-118.
Rockstroh, C., Blum, J., & Goritz, A. S. (2021). A mobile VR-based respiratory biofeedback game to foster diaphragmatic breathing. Virtual Reality, 25(2), 539-552.
Rostrup, M. (1998). Catecholamines, hypoxia and high altitude. Acta physiologica scandinavica, 162(3), 389-399.
Ruth, V., Pohjavuori, M., Rovamo, L., Salminen, K., & Laatikainen, T. (1986). Plasma b-endorphin in perinatal asphyxia and respiratory difficulties in newborn infants. Pediatric research, 20(6), 577-580.
Serebrovskaya, T. V., & Xi, L. (2016). Intermittent hypoxia training as non-pharmacologic therapy for cardiovascular diseases: Practical analysis on methods and equipment. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 241(15), 1708-1723.
Sankaran, K., Hindmarsh, K. W., & Watson, V. G. (1984). Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy and Plasma ss-Endorphin. Developmental pharmacology and therapeutics, 7, 377-383.
Scott, B. R., Slattery, K. M., Sculley, D. V., & Dascombe, B. J. (2014). Hypoxia and resistance exercise: a comparison of localized and systemic methods. Sports medicine, 44(8), 1037-1054.
Serebrovska, Z. O., Serebrovska, T. V., Kholin, V. A., Tumanovska, L. V., Shysh, A. M., Pashevin, D. A., ... & Dosenko, V. E. (2019). Intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training improves cognitive function and decreases circulating biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot study. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(21), 5405.
Serebrovskaya, T. V., & Xi, L. (2015). Intermittent hypoxia in childhood: the harmful consequences versus potential benefits of therapeutic uses. Frontiers in pediatrics, 3, 44.
Shaw, D. M., Cabre, G., & Gant, N. (2021). Hypoxic hypoxia and brain function in military aviation: basic physiology and applied perspectives. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 698.
Shi, B., Watanabe, T., Shin, S., Yabumoto, T., Takemura, M., & Matsuoka, T. (2014). Effect of hypoxic training on inflammatory and metabolic risk factors: a crossover study in healthy subjects. Physiological reports, 2(1), e00198.
Shukla, V., Singh, S. N., Vats, P., Singh, V. K., Singh, S. B., & Banerjee, P. K. (2005). Ghrelin and leptin levels of sojourners and acclimatized lowlanders at high altitude. Nutritional neuroscience, 8(3), 161-165.
Stavrou, V. T., Tourlakopoulos, K. N., Daniil, Z., & Gourgoulianis, K. I. (2021). Respiratory Muscle Strength: New Technology for Easy Assessment. Cureus, 13(5).
Tabor, A., Wilson, C., & Bateman, S. (2019, September). Designing to support uncomfortable breathing exercises: ethical considerations. In Adjunct Proceedings of the 2019 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing and Proceedings of the 2019 ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers (pp. 1087-1089).
Thanalakshmi, J., Ravindran, R., Sembulingam, K., & Sembulingam, P. (2014). Impact of Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayama on the topographic mapping of the brain waves. IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy, 4(10), 51-57.
Yan, B., Lai, X., Yi, L., Wang, Y., & Hu, Y. (2016). Effects of five-week resistance training in hypoxia on hormones and muscle strength. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 30(1), 184-193.
Villanueva, J. A., Suarez, M. C., Garmendia, O., Lugo, V., Ruiz, C., & Montserrat, J. M. (2017). The role of telemedicine and mobile health in the monitoring of sleep-breathing disorders: improving patient outcomes. Smart Homecare Technol Telehealth, 4, 1-11.
Wang, H., Shi, X., Schenck, H., Hall, J. R., Ross, S. E., Kline, G. P., ... & Chen, P. (2020). Intermittent hypoxia training for treating mild cognitive impairment: a pilot study. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias(r), 35, 1533317519896725.
Wood, J. D., Watson, W. J., & Ducker, A. J. (1968). The effect of hypoxia on brain g-aminobutyric acid levels 1. Journal of neurochemistry, 15(7), 603-608.
Zaviacic, M. (1994). Sexual asphyxiophilia (Koczwarism) in women and the biological phenomenon of female ejaculation. Medical hypotheses, 42(5), 318-322.
Zhu, X. H., Yan, H. C., Zhang, J., Qu, H. D., Qiu, X. S., Chen, L., ... & Gao, T. M. (2010). Intermittent hypoxia promotes hippocampal neurogenesis and produces antidepressant-like effects in adult rats. Journal of Neuroscience, 30(38), 12653-12663.
Zhou, Z. N., Zheng, J. G., Wu, X. F., Zhang, Y., & Cherdrungsi, P. (2008). Tibetans retained innate ability resistance to acute hypoxia after long period of residing at sea level. The Journal of Physiological Sciences, 0804160042-0804160042.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lanius.kenoma.pob&hl=en&gl=US
A. Stathopoulou, D. Loukeris, Z. Karabatzaki, E. Politi, Y. Salapata, and A. Drigas, "Evaluation of Mobile Apps Effectiveness in Children with Autism Social Training via Digital Social Stories," Int. J. Interact. Mob. Technol. (iJIM); Vol 14, No 03, 2020
Stathopoulou, et all A. Mobile assessment procedures for mental health and literacy skills in education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 12(3), 21-37, 2018,
Drigas, A., & Mitsea, E. (2022). Conscious Breathing: a Powerful Tool for Physical & Neuropsychological Regulation. The role of Mobile Apps. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 28, 135-158.
Alexopoulou, A., Batsou, A., & Drigas, A. (2020). Mobiles and Cognition: The Associations Between Mobile Technology and Cognitive Flexibility. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 14(03), pp. 146-156. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i03.11233
Mitsea, E., Drigas, A., & Skianis, C. (2022). ICTs and Speed Learning in Special Education: High-Consciousness Training Strategies for High-Capacity Learners through Metacognition Lens. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 27, 230-252.
Drigas, A., & Papoutsi, C. (2015). Empathy, special education and ICTs. International Journal of Recent Contributions from Engineering, Science & IT (iJES), 3(4), 37-42. doi: 10.3991/ijes.v3i4.5192
Kokkalia, G. K., & Drigas, A. S. (2015). Tools and E-tools for Memory and Attention Problems in Pre-school Education. International Journal of Recent Contributions from Engineering, Science & IT, 3(3), 13-19. http://dx.doi.org/10.3991/ijes.v3i3.4729
Gkeka, E.; Agorastou, E.; Drigas, A. Artificial Techniques for Language Disorders. Int. J. Recent Contrib. Eng. Sci. IT 2019, 7, 68-76.
Bakola, N. L. N., Rizos, N. D., & Drigas, A. S. (2018). ICTs Supportive and Therapeutic Contribution in Psychoemotional Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence. International Journal of Recent Contributions from Engineering, Science & IT (iJES), 6(2), 69-78.
Drigas, A. S. and Politi-Georgousi, S. (2019). Icts as a distinct detection approach for dyslexia screening: A contemporary view. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 15(13):46-60.
Kontostavlou, E.Z.; Drigas, A. Executive functions training and giftedness. Retos 2022, 43, 1005-1014.
Drigas, A., Mitsea, E., & Skianis, C. (2022). Clinical Hypnosis & VR, Subconscious Restructuring- Brain Rewiring & the Entanglement with the 8 Pillars of Metacognition X 8 Layers of Consciousness X 8 Intelligences. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 18(01), pp. 78-95. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v18i01.26859
Papoutsi, C., Chaidi, I., Drigas, A., Skianis, C., & Karagiannidis, C. (2022). Emotional Intelligence & ICTs for Women and Equality. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 27, 253-268.
Drigas, A., Mitsea, E., & Skianis, C. (2022). Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Positive Psychology & VR in Special Education. Scientific Electronic Archives, 15(1).
Zavitsanou, A., & Drigas, A. (2021). Attention and working memory. International Journal of Recent Contributions from Engineering Science & IT (iJES), 9(1), 81-91. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijes.v9i1.19933
Angelopoulou, E., Karabatzaki, Z., & Drigas, A. (2021). The role of working memory and attention in older workers' learning. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning (iJAC), 14(1), 4-14. https://10.3991/ijac.v14i1.20355
Drigas, A., & Mitsea, E.. (2021). Neuro-Linguistic Programming & VR via the 8 Pillars of Metacognition X 8 Layers of Consciousness X 8 Intelligences. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 26, 159-176.
Drigas, A., & L. Bakola: The 8x8 Layer Model Consciousness-Intelligence-Knowledge Pyramid, and the Platonic Perspectives. International Journal of Recent Contributions from Engineering, Science & IT (iJES), 9 (2), pp. 57-72, (2021), https://doi.org/10.3991/ijes.v9i2.22497.
Kontostavlou, E. Z., and Drigas, A. (2021). How metacognition supports giftedness in leadership: a review of contemporary literature. Int. J. Adv. Corp. Learn. 14, 4-16. doi: 10.3991/ijac.v14i2.23237
Drigas, A., & Mitsea, E. (2021). 8 Pillars X 8 Layers Model of Metacognition: Educational Strategies, Exercises &Trainings. International Journal of Online & Biomedical Engineering, 17(8). https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v17i08.23563
Drigas, A., & Mitsea, E. (2020). The Triangle of Spiritual Intelligence, Metacognition and Consciousness. International Journal of Recent Contributions from Engineering, Science & IT (iJES), 8(1), 4-23. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijes.v8i1.12503