The effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxic exposure and sea level training on submaximal economy in well-trained swimmers and runners

Martin J. Truijens, Ferran A. Rodríguez, Nathan E. Townsend, James Stray-Gundersen, Christopher J. Gore, Benjamin D. Levine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia combined with sea level training on exercise economy, 23 well-trained athletes (13 swimmers, 10 runners) were assigned to either hypobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude of 4,000 -5,500 m) or normobaric normoxia (0-500 m) in a randomized, double-blind design. Both groups rested in a hypobaric chamber 3 h/day, 5 days/wk for 4 wk. Submaximal economy was measured twice before (Pre) and after (Post) the treatment period using sport-specific protocols. Economy was estimated both from the relationship between oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and speed, and from the absolute V̇O2 at each speed using sport-specific protocols. V̇O2 was measured during the last 60 s of each (3-4 min) stage using Douglas bags. Ventilation (V̇E), heart rate (HR), and capillary lactate concentration ([La-]) were measured during each stage. Velocity at maximal V̇O2 (velocity at v̇O 2max) was used as a functional indicator of changes in economy. The average V̇O2 for a given speed of the Pre values was used for Post test comparison using a two-way, repeated-measures ANOVA. Typical error of measurement of V̇O2 was 4.7% (95% confidence limits 3.6-7.1), 3.6% (2.8-5.4), and 4.2% (3.2-6.9) for speeds 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was no change in economy within or between groups (ANOVA interaction P = 0.28, P = 0.23, and P = 0.93 for speeds 1, 2, and 3). No differences in submaximal HR, [La-], V̇E, or velocity at V̇O2max were found between groups. It is concluded that 4 wk of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia did not improve submaximal economy in this group of well-trained athletes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)328-337
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of applied physiology
Volume104
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2008

Keywords

  • Altitude
  • Running
  • Swimming

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Physiology (medical)

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