Ventura, N., Hoppeler, H., Seiler, R., Binggeli, A., Mullis, P., & Vogt, M. (2003). The response of trained athletes to six weeks of endurance training in hypoxia or normoxia. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 24, 166-172.

Endurance trained cyclists performed three additional training bouts per week for six weeks. One group trained at anaerobic threshold under hypoxic conditions (~3200 m altitude), while the control group trained similarly at (560 m). Ss were tested under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Normoxic and hypoxic VO2max and hypoxic work-capacity were not improved in either group. Hypoxic oxygen saturation improved in the hypoxic group. Reticulocytes increased in each group. Ferritin decreased in both groups but only significantly in the hypoxic group.

Implication. The integration of six weeks of high intensity endurance training did not improve performances in endurance trained athletes whether in hypoxic or normoxic conditions.

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