Chronic Effects of an Elevation Training Mask on Aerobic Capacity, Anaerobic Endurance, and Pulmonary Function

Abstract

Elevation training masks (ETM) have become popular in professional & recreationally active populations to enhance performance via purported adaptations associated with high elevation training (HET) and respiratory muscle training (RMT). PURPOSE: To compare the effect of training with (TM) to without (CON) wearing the ETM. METHODS: 8 healthy recreationally active adults (TM: M=2, F=2; 26.25±1.50; 25.05±1.42 kg[BULLET OPERATOR]m2 | CON: M=3, F=1; 31.5±6.95 yr; 24.92±1.83 kg[BULLET OPERATOR]m2) were recruited & provided consent for this study. VO2max and time to exhaustion (TTE) were assessed (Bruce protocol GXT, w/ & w/o ETM). Anaerobic endurance was assessed using two consecutive 300-yrd shuttle sprints (separated by 5min). Pulmonary function was assessed using a metabolic cart (FVC, MVV, FEV1). Following group assignment (TM and CON), subjects trained 3d/wk for 12 wks alternating between steady state running (Progression: 65->85% VO2max, 30->45min) and intense sprint conditioning every other session with VO2max reassessment following wk 6. The TM group performed all sessions wearing the ETM at manufacturer reported simulated altitude of 9,000 ft. A (2) group x (2)time ANCOVA followed by a Tukey’s post-hoc test was used to detect within group and between group differences following training. Type I error set at α=0.05. RESULTS:Table: No title available.CONCLUSION: Preliminary data indicate that training w/ the ETM does not enhance either aerobic or anaerobic endurance beyond standard training and may produce adaptations that are less favorable in comparison. However, under conditions of restricted breathing (i.e. GXT performed wearing the ETM), the TM group showed greater improvement. While the ETM may not provide benefits to those whose breathing is not typically restricted, further study is required to determine if there may be adaptive benefits for those who typically perform under restricted breathing conditions. **Data collection is ongoing with final data (n=24) to be presented at the time of conference.