[Intermittent hypoxic training--the state of science]

Intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) plays an important role concerning methods of training. Considering the enormous logistic and pecuniary investments for altitude training, there is a high demand for more efficient concepts. The intermittent hypoxic training is a new, alternative form of altitude training. The idea of IHT is to economise the currently most reliable and evaluated method which is known as "live high - train low" (LHTL). Thus, IHT combines a normal training at sea level with short training sessions in a chamber that creates a hypoxic but normobaric environment. Its aim is to initiate a similar level of erythropoesis as that usually achieved through long stays in high altitude with a minimised effort. This study analyses the results of selected studies that deal with IHT, evaluating the performance improvements in general and possible haematological variances/changes specifically.