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Bedtime Oxygen Tent 'Supercharges' Olympian Athlete

June 05, 2000

Olympic runner Spencer Duval says a fitness technique he is pioneering with the support of a sports
science expert at Staffordshire University could significantly boost the performance of other UK
endurance athletes aiming for medals in the Sydney 2000 Games.

Spencer, 30, who is set to represent Great Britain in the 3,000 metres steeplechase, is the only
athlete in the UK using the Hypoxic Tent(1) - a state-of-the-art, altitude simulation system -
which effectively recreates a high altitude mountainous atmosphere in an athlete's bedroom.   

In the run up to the 2000 Olympic Games, Spencer goes to sleep every night under the tent which is
erected above his bed at his home in Stafford in a bid to 'supercharge' his body. The tent recreates an
atmosphere of 9,000 foot above sea level - three-quarters of the way up Mont Blanc in the French
Alps.

While Spencer sleeps his body acclimatises to the low oxygen environment by producing more red
blood cells. When Spencer trains the following day in 'normal' conditions his blood is far more
efficient and able to delay the effects of muscle fatigue.

Tests carried out at the University's Sports Performance Centre by sports scientist Steve Day have
revealed that compared to six months ago when the trials began Spencer's body is now 10 per cent
more efficient running at the same pace.

"Acclimatisation has been used to boost sports performances for a long time. However,
traditionally athletes have been forced to visit the Alps for three-weeks at a time - that of course is
very expensive. This system does away with all that hassle and expense," said Spencer.

"I am delighted with my improvement in efficiency. From these results I am convinced that this
technique would make a massive difference for Great Britain's athletics team, especially our
endurance athletes."

Steve Day, Senior Lecturer in Sport Health and Exercise, within the University's School of Health,
said: "I have been been impressed with the significant change in the level of Spencer's red blood
cell count in such a short period.

"By building up the red blood cells Spencer's blood becomes more efficient in the way it circulates
Oxygen around the body and this delays the onset of fatigue in the muscles which helps improve
his performances."

Spencer, a Sports Development Officer at Lichfield District Council, said after the initial couple days
of using the tent he quickly adapted to sleeping in it. He added: "It's actually a pleasant experience
because the air is filtered and cleaned. Although I must admit its strange to go upstairs to bed and
then to climb into a tent."

Staffordshire University