Effect of high‐intensity resistance circuit‐based training in hypoxia on aerobic performance and repeat sprint ability

Abstract

Recent acute studies have shown that high-intensity resistance circuit-based (HRC) training in hypoxia increases metabolic stress. However, no intervention studies have yet proven their effectiveness. This study aimed to analyze the effect of 8 weeks of HRC in hypoxia on aerobic performance, resting energy expenditure (REE), repeat sprint ability (RSA) and hematological variables. Twenty-eight subjects were assigned to hypoxia (FiO = 15%; HRC : n = 15; age: 24.6 ± 6.8 years; height: 177.4 ± 5.9 cm; weight: 74.9 ± 11.5 kg) and normoxia (FiO = 20.9%; HRC : n = 13; age: 23.2 ± 5.2 years; height: 173.4 ± 6.2 cm; weight: 69.4 ± 7.4 kg) groups. Each training session consisted of two blocks of three exercises (Block 1: bench press, leg extension, front pull down; 2: deadlift, elbow flexion, ankle extension). Each exercise was performed at 6 repetitions maximum. Participants exercised twice weekly for 8 weeks and before and after the training program blood test, REE, RSA and treadmill running test were performed. Fatigue index in the RSA test was significantly decreased in the HRC (-0.9%; P < .01; ES = 2.75) but not in the HRC . No changes were observed in REE and hematological variables. Absolute (4.5%; P = .014; ES = 0.42) and relative (5.2%; P = .008; ES = 0.43) maximal oxygen uptake (VO max), speed at VO max (4%; P = .010; ES = 0.25) and time to exhaustion (4.1%; P = .012; ES = 0.26) were significantly increased in HRC but not in the HRC . No significant differences between groups were found. Compared with normoxic conditions, 8 weeks of HRC training under hypoxic conditions efficiently improves aerobic performance and RSA without changes in REE and red blood O -carrying capacity.

Supplementation of Re-Esterified Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids Reduce Inflammatory and Muscle Damage Markers after Exercise in Endurance Athletes: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial

“…Three days later, participants started the first step of the first testing session. First, a haematological test was developed following previous procedures in this population [25]. The blood sample (10 ml) was withdrawn from an antecubital vein using a sterile technique to analyse haematological variables.…”

High-Intensity Interval Circuit Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…One of the principal characteristics of these programs is that the training is done on a circuit. Circuit training consists of exercises involving all the muscle groups and it aims to simultaneously improve strength and cardiorespiratory fitness [16,17].…”

Impact of Active and Passive Hypoxia as Re-Warm-Up Activities on Rugby Players’ Performance

“…These physiological responses could be greater after exercise in hypoxia because this type of exercise produces a greater reliance on the anaerobic metabolism [17] and lactate production to provide synthetized ATP [16]. In addition, the limited O 2 availability produced under hypoxia induces vasodilatation to increase the blood flow and the O 2 delivery [22]. Therefore, one possible reason for the results obtained in the present study could be related to a higher stimulation of the anaerobic metabolism pathway during the AH strategy, which could improve the muscle perfusion during the subsequent RSA performance.…”

“…The best and mean sprint times were recorded as the performance indices. The fatigue index was calculated in accordance with previous studies [22].…”

“…After the 20 m sprint test, the RSA test was performed. The RSA test consisted of 10 × 30 m sprints with a 180 • turn at the 15 m mark separated by 30 s of passive recovery [22]. The athlete started 0.5 m behind the start line, which was marked by a photocell.…”