Abstract
Elevation training masks are commonly used in strength and conditioning to simulate working in a hypoxic environment through resisted inspiration (RI). It is further suggested that RI improves the ability of the athlete’s muscle to utilize available oxygen carried by hemoglobin. Though some data exists regarding gross training performance in elevation training masks, little data is available regarding the effect of elevation training masks on lower extremity joint biomechanics during an exercise task. PURPOSE: to determine the effects of an altitude training mask on ankle joint kinetics during a treadmill walking task. METHODS: Seven healthy young adults performed two 10-minute treadmill walking tasks at 1.6 m/s in each of two conditions: normal walking (CON) and with RI. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRFs) were simultaneously recorded using a 6-camera motion capture system (250 Hz) and instrumented treadmill (1500 Hz). Peak ankle plantarflexor moments and powers were determined from the second (M2) and tenth (M10) minutes of the treadmill walking task. Two repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine the effects of time and condition on peak plantarflexor moments and powers. RESULTS: No time by condition interactions were observed for plantarflexor moments (p = 0.26) or powers (p = 0.18). The RI condition was associated with greater plantarflexor moments (p = 0.04) and powers (p = 0.01) than the CON condition. No effects of time were observed for plantarflexor moments (p = 0.84) or powers (p = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that ankle joint kinetics are greater when performing a treadmill walking task when wearing an elevation training mask. Given the constant mechanical demand, these data suggest that a multi-joint mechanical adaptation occurred in response to the elevation training mask. Subsequent research may seek to address changes in joint contributions to the walking task when wearing an elevation training mask.
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