Suzuki, Y., Kamei, A., & Kawahara, T. (2014). Short-term simulated altitude training camp using normobaric hypoxia swimming pool improve aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(5), Supplement abstract number 1565.

This study determined the effects of five days normobaric hypoxia swim-training combined with nightly exposure to simulated altitude on sea-level aerobic and anaerobic performance. Elite male swimmers were assigned to either a “Hypoxic” (N = 7) or “Normoxic” (N = 7) group and performed swimming exercise twice a day for five days. Both groups followed the same training program in a long-course (50 m) swimming pool. The hypoxic group trained in a normobaric hypoxia swimming pool (16.4%), and rested in the normobaric hypoxia room (16.4%). Before and after the training, Ss completed a blood test, submaximal test (15 x 100 m), and a maximal sprint test (1 x 50 m).

After five days of swimming training, hemoglobin concentration was significantly increased in both groups. In the hypoxic group, ferritin concentration, lactate concentration after the submaximal test, and maximal 50 m sprint time were significantly decreased. In the mormoxic group, there were no significant changes in ferritin concentration, lactate concentration, and sprint time.

Implication. A simulated altitude training camp using a normobaric hypoxia swimming-pool enhanced both aerobic and anaerobic capacity in a short period of time in swimmers.

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