The effect of intermittent hypoxic training via a hypoxic inhaler on physiological and performance measures in rowers: a pilot study.
Intermittent hypoxic training and discontinuous exposure to altitude were used to improve performance at sea level in elite rowers. Altitude was simulated with a newly patented device which allowed athletes to experience altitude by re-breathing oxygen-depleted expired air. Seven elite rowers (five females, two males) used inhalers for a 90-min supervised daily session (alternating 6 min on and 4 min off) for 3 weeks, while four female elite rowers used placebo devices in the same sessions. The inhalers were adjusted to produce a progressive decrease in oxygen saturation over the 3 weeks (initially 90%; finally 80%). Immediately before and 7-10 days after altitude exposure, the rowers performed an incremental lactate test to determine power output equivalent to 4 mM [BLa], a 500-m time trial and a 5000-m time trial, all on a rowing ergometer. Relative to the control group, the altitude group showed a slight improvement in mean power for the 5000-m time trial (0.6%, 90% likely limits +/-3.7%), and a substantial impairment in mean power for the 500-m trial (2.2%, +/-4.1%). Power at 4-mM lactate declined in both groups, but overall the altitude group improved by 0.4% (+/-3.5%) relative to control. The device represents a practical way to simulate altitude exposure, but it is unlikely to have major effects on performance of elite rowers.
Hinckson
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EA
Institute of Sport and Recreation Research NZ, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand. erica.hinckson@aut.ac.nz
Hopkins
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WG
Downey
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BM
Smith
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010100:Oxygen / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*
D010100:Oxygen