The Effects of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Anaerobic Performance in Young Men

Abstract

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) on anaerobic performance in young, untrained men. Young men (n = 48) were randomly divided into two training groups and a control group. The training groups performed the same submaximal interval training (three times a week for 4 weeks) in normoxia (200 m asl) or in hypoxia (IHT) (FIO2 = 14.4%). The workloads for the interval training corresponded to the intensity of the ventilatory thresholds determined in a graded test. Participants performed a supramaximal all-out sprint test in normoxia twice: before and after the training. Significant improvement in both absolute peak power (p < 0.001; ES = 0.34) and relative peak power (p < 0.001; ES = 0.54) was noted after IHT. Similar changes were not observed either after training in normoxia (p = 0.14 and p = 0.26, for absolute and relative peak power, respectively) or in the control group (p = 0.34 and p = 0.51, for absolute and relative peak power, respectively). Compared to baseline, there were no significant changes in the absolute and relative mean power of either group after training. Intermittent hypoxic training in young, untrained men can be effective in improving their peak power, but does not significantly affect their mean power.