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.

Nine days after hypobaric training, changes were still evident in 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 cycling training improves both aerobic and anaerobic performances and energy supply.

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