[Intermittent hypoxic training--the state of science]

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Altitude Training Research

Background:

• Traditional altitude training methods like "live high - train low" (LHTL) are effective but costly.
• There is a growing need for more accessible and cost-effective training strategies.
• Intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) emerges as a potential solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) as an alternative to traditional altitude exposure.
• To analyze performance improvements and hematological changes associated with IHT.
• To assess the potential of IHT to mimic the benefits of prolonged high-altitude stays.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of existing studies on Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT).
• Examination of training protocols involving short-term exposure to hypoxic, normobaric environments.
• Evaluation of reported changes in athletic performance and blood parameters.

Main Results:

• IHT combines sea-level training with short hypoxic sessions.
• The study investigates the potential for IHT to stimulate erythropoiesis.
• Performance enhancements and hematological variances resulting from IHT are analyzed.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) presents a promising, resource-efficient approach to altitude training.
• IHT may offer comparable benefits to traditional methods with minimized effort and cost.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the physiological adaptations to IHT.