Altitude Chambers

When producing staff or equipment that is intended for exposure to low-oxygen conditions at heightened elevations, it is important that testing be performed in simulated atmosphere. Altitude chambers, or hypoxic chambers, are employed to provide such a simulation.

Professionals such as military members or pilots who are required to maintain constant exposure to high altitudes must undergo training in hypoxic chambers to become adapted to the lack of oxygen. This influences their physical and mental composition such that they are prepared for the difficult environment that necessitates such training.

Flight equipment is also tested in hypoxic chambers to observe the effects of such environmental conditions on the physical attributes of the equipment. The lowered pressure and temperature, as well as the lower oxygen levels, may have influence on the structural integrity and accuracy of measurement devices and controls for aeronautic vehicles.

Professional athletes also train in altitude chambers in order to become accustomed to situations in which there is a lack of oxygen. When performing continuous anaerobic exercise in sports such as boxing or cycling in a given season, the athlete grows to become levelheaded and continues to perform exceptionally when running out of breath. Studies have shown that the body of an athlete will adapt to take in more oxygen per breath when exposed to continuous training in altitude chambers.