Bench press performance during an intermittent hypoxic resistance training to muscle failure

Resistance training performed under hypoxia conditions has been shown to cause major metabolic and hormonal responses. However, the influence of hypoxia on an acute session has been barely studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of an intermittent hypoxic resistance training (IHRT) to muscle failure on bench press performance.

A randomized crossover design was performed, and 25 untrained men performed a resistance training under two different conditions: normoxia (FIO2=21%) and high-level hypoxia (FIO2=13%). Resistance training consisted of 3 sets of 75% 1RM to muscle failure, with a 2-minute rest between sets. Physical performance was assessed by quantifying total repetitions, concentric velocity and power variable during all sets. Arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), capillary blood lactate and muscle soreness were also assessed after training.

Physical performance during bench press did not differ under hypoxic conditions (P>0.05). However, there were significant increases (P<0.05) of RPE (from 7.5±0.8 to 7.9±0.8) and blood lactate concentrations (from 5.5±1.2 to 6.2±1.5 mmol/L) in the hypoxia group.

These findings suggest that hypoxic resistance exercise does not affect exercise performance during bench press exercise. However, influence to perceived exercise intensity and blood lactate concentrations, suggesting that hypoxic resistance training may add substantially to the training dose experienced.