Friedman, B., Kinscherf, R., Borisch, S., & Bartsch, P. (2003). Effects of strength endurance training in severe normobaric hypoxia on muscle structure and gene expression. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 890.

This study investigated if hypoxia accentuates the effects of strength endurance training and if these changes are accompanied by changes in gene expression of different myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms. Untrained males (N = 19) were randomly assigned to a low resistance, high repetition knee extension exercise group in either normoxic or hypoxic conditions in normobaric conditions. Training was three times per week for four weeks. Measures were taken before and after training.

No differences were found on any parameters between the conditions. Training increased strength by ~9% in both groups.

Implication. Induced hypoxia does not accentuate strength endurance training.

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