Truijens, M. J., Dow, J., Cabayo, J., Palmer, D., Witkowski, S., Chase, P., Toussaint, H. M., & Levine, B. D. (2002). The effect of high intensity hypoxic training on sea-level swimming performances. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 1337.

This investigation tested the hypothesis that high intensity hypoxic training improves sea level swimming more than normoxic training. Collegiate and masters swimmers (M = 6; F = 10) participated in a five-week training program consisting of three high intensity training sessions in a flume and at least three low intensity sessions in a pool each week. Ss were matched and assigned to either hypoxic/normobaric (O2 = 15.3%, 2500 m) or nomoxic/normobaric interval training groups.

Both groups improved significantly and were similar in 100 m and 400 m freestyle swimming times.

Implication. Hypoxic training in normobaric conditions does not produce any added training effects on swimming over those gained from training in normal conditions.

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