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 v̇o2max) 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.
Physiological and Biological Responses to Short-Term Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure: From Sports and Mountain Medicine to New Biomedical Applications
