The effect of a sleep high-train low regimen on the finger cold-induced vasodilation response

The present study evaluated the effect of a sleep high-train low regimen on the finger cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) response. Seventeen healthy males were assigned to either a control (CON; n=9) or experimental (EXP; n=8) group. Each group participated in a 28-day aerobic training program of daily 1-h exercise (50% of peak power output). During the training period, the EXP group slept at a simulated altitude of 2800 meters (week 1) to 3400 m (week 4) above sea level. Normoxic (CIVD(NOR); CON and EXP groups) and hypoxic (CIVD(HYPO); F(I)O(2)=0.12; EXP group only) CIVD characteristics were assessed before and after the training period during a 30-min immersion of the hand in 8°C water. After the intervention, the EXP group had increased average finger skin temperature (CIVD(NOR): +0.5°C; CIVD(HYPO): +0.5°C), number of waves (CIVD(NOR): +0.5; CIVD(HYPO): +0.6), and CIVD amplitude (CIVD(NOR): +1.5°C; CIVD(HYPO): +3°C) in both CIVD tests (p<0.05). In contrast, the CON group had an increase in only the CIVD amplitude (+0.5°C; p<0.05). Thus, the enhancement of aerobic performance combined with altitude acclimatization achieved with the sleep high-train low regimen contributed to an improved finger CIVD response during cold-water hand immersion in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.