The Effect of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Performance Research Completed

Title

The Effect of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Performance

Lead Author

Mike Hamlin , Helen Marshall, John Hellemans, Philip Ainslie, Nat Anglem

Organisation(s)

Prepared for Sport and Recreation New Zealand by Lincoln University

Publication Year

2009

Publisher

Sport and Recreation New Zealand

Contacts

Mike Hamlin

email: Mike.Hamlin@lincoln.ac.nz

Abstract

This study aimed to verify whether the “live low, train high” approach is beneficial for endurance and/or anaerobic cycling performance. Sixteen well-trained athletes completed 90 min of endurance training (60-70% of heart rate reserve) followed by two 30-s all-out sprints (Wingate test), daily for 10 consecutive days. Nine subjects (IHT group) trained with an FIO2 set to produce arterial oxygen saturations of ~88% to ~82%, while 7 subjects (placebo group) trained while breathing a normal gas mixture (FIO2 = 0.21). Four performance tests were conducted at sea-level including a familiarisation and baseline trial, followed by repeat trials at 2 and 9 days post-intervention. Relative to the placebo group mean power during the 30-s Wingate test increased by 3.0% (95% Confidence Limits, CL ± 3.5%) 2 days, and 1.7% (± 3.8%) 9 days post-IHT. Changes in other performance variables (30-s peak power, 20-km mean power, 20-km oxygen cost) were unclear. During the time trial the IHT participants‟ blood lactate concentration, RER and SpO2 relative to the placebo group, was substantially increased at 2 days post-intervention. The addition of IHT into the normal training programme of well-trained athletes produced worthwhile gains in 30-s sprint performance possibly through enhanced glycolysis.

Keywords:

Cycling

How to access

Areas of Focus

Population Groups

Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)

Topics

Sport and Recreation Types

Views

1483

Added

July 9, 2013

Last Modified

July 18, 2013