Abstract
Intermittent altitude exposure leads to improvements in aerobic performance and blood parameters of athletes. The variety of hypoxic devices and simulated altitude training models requires a detailed study of their effects to achieve the best results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a four-week training camp at sea level conditions, combined with normobaric hypoxia, provided by hypoxicators during the night's sleep of the athletes. Sixteen rowers of the Bulgarian national team (17.13±0.83 years old) were divided into a control group (n=8) and an experimental group (n=8) subjected to hypoxia for a period of four weeks. At the beginning and end of the training camp, anthropometric and hematological data were measured. A submaximal test on the Concept II rowing ergometer was performed, and the physical work capacity and anaerobic threshold were determined. The results showed: 1) a lack of significant changes in the aerobic performance after training camp, both within and between groups; 2) at the end of the training camp in the experimental group a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin concentration (156.25±4.11 vs 162.75±4.11 g/L, p<0.01) and erythrocyte count (5.26±0.13 vs 5.49±0.10 g/L, p<0.01) was observed. The encouraging results regarding the higher increase in blood oxygen-carrying capacity in the experimental group did not lead to an increased working capacity. Further research should be provided in the search for optimal hypoxic training parameters, allowing not only a rise in hemoglobin concentration, but also the preservation of blood rheological properties.
Highlights
: Intermittent altitude exposure leads to improvements in aerobic performance and blood parameters of athletes
Further research should be provided in the search for optimal hypoxic training parameters, allowing a rise in hemoglobin concentration, and the preservation of blood rheological properties. aerobic power, hemoglobin, hypoxia training, hypoxicator, rowers
It is well known that the decreased oxygen saturation of hemoglobin at high altitude causes activation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1), which targets the activation of genes encoding erythropoietin (EPO) and the vascular endothelial growth factor
Summary
: Intermittent altitude exposure leads to improvements in aerobic performance and blood parameters of athletes. The variety of hypoxic devices and simulated altitude training models requires a detailed study of their effects to achieve the best results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a four-week training camp at sea level conditions, combined with normobaric hypoxia, provided by hypoxicators during the night’s sleep of the athletes. Material: Sixteen rowers of the Bulgarian national team (17.13±0.83 years old) were divided into a control group (n=8) and an experimental group (n=8) subjected to hypoxia for a period of four weeks. At the beginning and end of the training camp, anthropometric and hematological data were measured. A submaximal test on the Concept II rowing ergometer was performed, and the physical work capacity and anaerobic threshold were determined
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Pedagogics, psychology, medical-biological problems of physical training and sports
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
