Comparison of the effect of intermittent hypoxic training vs. the live high, train low strategy on aerobic capacity and sports performance in cyclists in normoxia

摘要

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) and the live high, train low strategy on aerobic capacity and sports performance in off-road cyclists in normoxia. Thirty off-road cyclists were randomized to three groups and subjected to 4-week training routines. The participants from the first experimental group were exposed to normobaric hypoxia conditions (FiO2 = 16.3%) at rest and during sleep (G-LH-TL; n=10; age: 20.5 ± 2.9 years; body height 1.81 ± 0.04 m; body mass: 69.6 ± 3.9 kg). Training in this group was performed under normoxic conditions. In the second experimental group, study participants followed an intermittent hypoxic training (IHT, three sessions per week, FiO2 = 16.3%) routine (G-IHT; n=10; age: 20.7 ± 3.1 years; body height 1.78 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 67.5 ± 5.6 kg). Exercise intensity was adjusted based on the lactate threshold (LT) load determined in hypoxia. The control group lived and trained under normoxic conditions (G-C; n=10; age: 21.8 ± 4.0 years; body height 1.78 ± 0.03 m; body mass: 68.1 ± 4.7 kg; body fat content: 8.4 ± 2.4%). The evaluations included two research series (S1, S2). Between S1 and S2, athletes from all groups followed a similar training programme for 4 weeks. In each research series a graded ergocycle test was performed in order to measure VO2max and determine the LT and a simulated 30 km individual time trial. Significant (p2max, VO2LT, WRmax and WRLT were observed in the G-IHT (by 3.5%, 9.1%, 6.7% and 7.7% respectively) and G-LH-TL groups (by 4.8%, 6.7%, 5.9% and 4.8% respectively). Sports performance (TT) was also improved (p2max and determine the lactate threshold as well as a simulated 30 km individual time trial.