Can Sildenafil improve exercise performance at moderate altitude?

Project Title: Can Sildenafil improve exercise performance at moderate altitude?

Researchers: K.A. Jacobs (University of Miami, Florida, USA), A.L. Friedlander (Stanford University, California, USA)

Year accepted: 2006

Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of sildenafil on cardiovascular hemodynamics (heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), peak exercise capacity (Wpeak), and exercise performance in endurance-trained men and women at simulated altitude. During Year 1 of the study exercise performance was examined by having subjects complete a 6-km cycling time trial at simulated high altitude (HA; 3900 m, 12.8% FIO2), while during Year 2 subjects completed a 15-km time trial at both simulated moderate (MA; 2100 m, 16.2 % FIO2) and HA.