An altitude chamber simulates the effects of high altitude on the human body for research or training purposes. It allows acclimation to high altitude conditions and helps scientists study hypoxia and hypobaric conditions. Hyperbaric chambers can help those suffering from hypoxic or hypobaric conditions. Altitude chambers are expensive, but some institutions make them available to the public, and portable devices can provide altitude training.
An altitude chamber, also known as a hypobaric chamber, is a device used to simulate the effects of high altitude on the human body, usually for research or training purposes. Athletes, aviators and astronauts are typical examples of people who would use an altitude chamber. Higher elevation means lower oxygen levels and lower ambient air pressure. The effects of these changes on the human body can be quite serious, ranging from joint pain or headaches to seizures or even loss of consciousness. By simulating these conditions, an altitude chamber allows a person to acclimate over time, and therefore less likely to succumb to the dangers of high altitude.
In research, an altitude chamber allows scientists to study the effects of hypoxia, or low oxygen, and hypobaric, or low pressure, conditions on the human body. Hypoxia occurs when the body’s oxygen level is too low, causing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Hypobaric conditions – which can occur even at low altitudes when a low pressure front moves across an area – can cause joint or sinus pain and headaches. Symptoms of hypoxia and hypobaric conditions can vary greatly from person to person.
In training, an altitude chamber allows the athlete to acclimatize his body to conditions that are difficult to replicate in everyday life. By using an altitude chamber to train, an athlete can slowly and safely adjust to performance in a variety of conditions. Altitude chambers use a vacuum pump to remove air from the chamber at a constant rate, lowering the air pressure and simulating high altitude conditions. Internal and external observers usually check the athlete or subject for safety.
Conversely, a hyperbaric or high pressure chamber can be used to help those suffering from hypoxic conditions or hypobaric conditions. A hyperbaric chamber increases the air pressure inside the container. This increases the subject’s oxygen level and simulates a decrease in elevation.
Altitude chambers are very expensive equipment and beyond the financial reach of most people. However, some institutions make their high-altitude rooms available to the public by appointment. Additionally, some portable devices enable altitude training by providing the subject with a mask that recycles exhaled oxygen, removing dangerous carbon dioxide and other chemicals, in order to lower the oxygen level and replicate conditions at high altitudes.
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