Effects of 4 weeks of device-induced normobaric intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia training on the performance of elite cyclists: A pilot study

• Published in: Current Issues in Sport Science 2024-09, Vol.9 (4), p.47
• Main Authors: Peprnicek, Christoph, Moser, Julian, Wessner, Barbara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: elite cyclists; HIF-1alpha; hypoxia/hyperoxia; IHHT
• ISSN: 2414-6641; 2414-6641
• DOI: 10.36950/2024.4ciss047

Introduction & Purpose Classic altitude training and other forms of hypoxia are regularly used in endurance training (Mujika et al., 2019). Due to corona exit restrictions in 2019-2020, device-induced normobaric hypoxia/hyperoxia was suggested as an alternative to classic altitude training. Intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia training (IHHT) has been studied and used in various forms since the 1940s (Serebrovskaya, 2002) with the advantage to be used at the athlete’s training site (Burtscher, 2005). The aim of this pilot study was to test the effects of a IHHT intervention on aerobic performance, hematological parameters and hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α). Method A total of 11 athletes (2 women) from the U23 and elite national squads of the Austrian Cycling Federation completed 16 IHHT units in addition to their normal training program over a period of 4 weeks as part of a randomized cross over intervention study (control – IHHT, IHHT – control). The IHHT units were carried out on a Cellgym CellAir® Gecko Plus device at rest without exercise following a predetermined protocol (Sessions 1-8: 5 min of hypoxia (12.0% oxygen) followed by 3 min of hyperoxia (34.0% oxygen) repeated five times. Sessions 9-16): 6 min of hypoxia (11.0% oxygen) followed by 3 min of hyperoxia (34.0% oxygen). During the 4 weeks of control period, participants should maintain their training schedule. Aerobic performance was determined before and after the intervention by spiroergometry. As secondary outcomes, changes in hematological parameters and protein levels of HIF-1α were determined from venous blood which was processed immediately after collection. Serum was stored at -80 °C until HIF-1 α determination by ELISA technique. Results Eleven out of 13 athletes took part in the pre – post IHHT measurements, but only three of them managed to participate in the measurements planned for the control period, making it impossible to compare the two conditions. Replacement was not possible due to the availability of candidates and the ongoing preparation for the season. After 4 weeks of intervention with 16 IHHT training sessions, no significant changes were observed in performance parameters such as VO2peak, relative VO2max, maximum power (watts) or threshold values (p > 0.05). There were also no significant changes in blood enzymes, lipid and iron metabolism (p > 0.05). However, a tendency towards increased values of haemoglobin (z = 1.738; p = 0.082) and a significant increase of erythrocy