Meeuwsen, T., Hendriksen, I. J., & Holewijn, M. (1999). Sea-level performance is enhanced by acute intermittent hypobaric hypoxia. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 787.

Triathletes (N = 8) trained on a cycle ergometer at a simulated altitude of 2,500 m in a hypobaric chamber while another group (N = 8) trained at sea-level. Measures were taken before and two and nine days after the experiment. [No control over the training stimulus of both groups was reported.]

Nine days after hypobaric/hypoxic training, changes were still evident in all important physiological parameters as well as in aerobic and anaerobic tests. VO2max increased by 7%, and maximal power per unit of body weight increased by 7.4%. No significant changes were evidenced in the sea-level group.

Implication. Intermittent hypobaric hypoxic cycling training improved both aerobic and anaerobic performances and energy supply.

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