Oriishi, M., Matsubayashi, T., Kawahara, T., & Suzuki, Y. (2014). Short-term hypoxic exposure and training improve anaerobic capacity in long sprinters. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(5), Supplement abstract number 1567.

“The effects of long-term hypoxic training on aerobic performance have been demonstrated. However, the effect of short-term hypoxic training on anaerobic performance is unclear. It has been reported that high intensity interval training at sea-level enhances anaerobic performance as well as aerobic performance. We hypothesize that short-term hypoxic training combined with high-intensity interval-training is more effective compared to sea-level training.”

This study investigated the physiological adaptations in well-trained female long-sprinters following six days of hypoxic exposure and training combined with high-intensity interval-training. Female long-sprinters were assigned to either a hypoxic group (N = 7) or a control group (N = 8). The hypoxic group lived and trained for six days in a normobaric hypoxia room and the control group lived and trained at sea-level. The training consisted of high-intensity interval-training (five 30s all-out pedaling) and endurance training (30 minutes of incremental running and 30 minutes of steady pedaling). Ss performed the maximal anaerobic running test (MART) before and after the training period. Blood lactate concentration was analyzed after each running bout during the MART. Maximal power in the MART was calculated from the running velocity in the last completed bout and running time in the exhaustion bout.

Maximal power in the hypoxic group increased significantly after the training period. There were no significant changes in the control group. Blood lactate concentration at submaximal running speed (275, 300, 375 m/min) in the hypoxic group decreased significantly after the training period. There were no significant changes in the control group.

Implication. Short-term hypoxic exposure and training combined with some high-intensity interval-training is effective for enhancement anaerobic capacity in long sprinters.

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