Six weeks of static apnea training does not affect Hbmass and exercise performance

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Apnea (breath-holding) can decrease oxygen saturation and increase erythropoietin (EPO).
• Apnea training is proposed to enhance erythropoiesis and improve exercise capacity.
• Previous research has not comprehensively evaluated apnea training's effects on hematological parameters and performance with a control group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a 6-week apnea training program can induce erythropoiesis.
• To assess the impact of apnea training on hematological parameters, including hemoglobin mass (Hbmass).
• To determine if apnea training enhances maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o_2peak) and 3-km cycling time trial performance.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two male subjects were randomized into an apnea training group or a control group.
• The apnea group performed daily maximal static apneas for 6 weeks.
• Tests included ramp incremental exercise, CO-rebreathing for Hbmass, a 3-km cycling time trial, and an apnea test with SpO₂ monitoring. Blood samples were analyzed for EPO concentration.

Main Results:

• The apnea training protocol did not significantly increase resting erythropoietin (EPO) levels.
• No significant changes were observed in hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), V̇o_2peak, or 3-km cycling time trial performance in the apnea group compared to the control group.
• Minimal SpO₂ during apnea tests decreased post-training, but did not elicit an acute EPO response.

Conclusions:

• The implemented apnea training protocol, involving five maximal static apneas, did not provide a sufficient hypoxic stimulus to trigger erythropoiesis.
• This training regimen failed to improve hematological parameters (EPO, Hbmass) or exercise performance metrics (V̇o_2peak, time trial).
• Longer or more intense apnea training sessions are likely required to induce significant physiological adaptations in non-apnea-trained individuals.