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Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2019
Effect of hyperoxic-supplemented interval training on endurance performance in trained cyclists
A E Kilding1, M Wood, G Sequira
1Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. andrew.kilding@aut.ac.nz
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 2, 2012
Summary
Hyperoxic-supplemented interval training offers minimal benefits for endurance and high-intensity performance in trained cyclists compared to normoxic training. This method is not recommended for maximizing performance in competitive endurance athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Performance
Background:
- Optimizing training strategies is crucial for enhancing endurance performance in competitive athletes.
- Hyperoxic training, involving breathing air with higher oxygen concentration, has been explored as a potential ergogenic aid.
- The effectiveness of hyperoxic-supplemented interval training during the competitive season remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hyperoxic-supplemented interval training on endurance performance and physiological markers in well-trained cyclists.
- To compare the effects of hyperoxic versus normoxic interval training on key performance indicators.
- To determine the practical utility of hyperoxic training for competitive endurance athletes.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 16 well-trained cyclists.
- Four weeks of high-intensity interval training, twice weekly, with participants assigned to either hyperoxic or normoxic conditions.
- Pre- and post-intervention assessments included a 20 km time trial, incremental exercise test, and a 60-second all-out test.
Main Results:
- Hyperoxic training yielded smaller improvements in physiological measures like VO2peak and lactate threshold compared to normoxic training.
- Mean power during the 20 km time trial increased less with hyperoxia (2.1%) than with normoxia (4.9%).
- Normoxic training enhanced mean power in a 60-second all-out test, while hyperoxic training showed negligible improvement.
Conclusions:
- Hyperoxic-supplemented interval training demonstrated less efficacy in improving endurance and high-intensity performance in trained cyclists compared to normoxic training.
- The observed physiological adaptations were also less pronounced with hyperoxia.
- Hyperoxic training at sea level is likely not a worthwhile strategy for enhancing the performance of competitive endurance athletes.
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