Slow V ˙ O 2 kinetics in acute hypoxia are not related to a hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia

We examined whether slower pulmonary O₂ uptake (V˙O_2p) kinetics in hypoxia is a consequence of: a) hypoxia alone (lowered arterial O₂ pressure), b) hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia (lowered arterial CO₂ pressure), or c) a combination of both. Eleven participants performed 3-5 repetitions of step-changes in cycle ergometer power output from 20W to 80% lactate threshold in the following conditions: i) normoxia (CON; room air); ii) hypoxia (HX, …