Effect of practical hyperoxic high-intensity interval training on exercise performance

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular training method.
• The role of hyperoxia in enhancing HIIT adaptations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a practical hyperoxic HIIT (HHIIT) protocol on aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity in male athletes.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen male athletes were randomized into normoxic HIIT (NHIIT) or HHIIT groups.
• Both groups trained twice weekly for three weeks using a cycle ergometer protocol until exhaustion.
• Physiological assessments included maximal graded exercise, submaximal exercise, and 90-s maximal exercise tests before and after training.

Main Results:

• Maximal oxygen uptake increased significantly in both NHIIT and HHIIT groups.
• The HHIIT group showed significant improvements in blood lactate curve during submaximal exercise and mean power output during maximal exercise.
• Normoxic HIIT did not yield significant improvements in these anaerobic parameters.

Conclusions:

• A practical HHIIT protocol may be effective in enhancing both aerobic capacity and anaerobic performance.
• Hyperoxia during HIIT may provide additional benefits for anaerobic adaptations compared to normoxic conditions.