Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Hypoxic environments, resulting from decreased atmospheric partial pressure of oxygen, reduce oxygen availability in the blood and tissues, leading to a mismatch between supply and demand. This elicits several physiological adaptations and may influence bone metabolism. Although evidence suggests that hypoxia can modulate bone remodeling through hypoxia-inducible pathways, findings remain mixed, with most data derived from chronic hypoxic exposures in animal and cell culture models. Exercise, an essential stimulus for bone health, may exacerbate hypoxic stress; however, the skeletal response to acute hypoxic exposure combined with exercise remains unclear. We propose that intermittent exercise in hypoxia may increase negative markers of bone remodeling and is accompanied by increased bone resorption. To test this, we investigated the effects of 2-hour hypobaric hypoxia exposure, with two 30-minute cycling bouts, on circulating bone metabolic biomarkers, including markers of bone formation and resorption.

Keywords

Hypoxia, Exercise, Bone Remodeling, Bone Metabolic Biomarkers

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Fabiano Amorim

Second Committee Member

Christine Mermier

Third Committee Member

Whitley Atkins

Fourth Committee Member

Breanne Baker

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