Effects of Sprint Interval Training at Different Altitudes on Cycling Performance at Sea-Level.

Geoffrey Warnier,Louise Deldicque,Marc Francaux,Damien Naslain,Sophie Lambrecht,Nicolas Benoit

doi:10.3390/sports8110148

Geoffrey Warnier, Louise Deldicque + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/sports8110148

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Abstract

Background: Benefits of sprint interval training performed in hypoxia (SIH) compared to normoxia (SIN) have been assessed by studies mostly conducted around 3000 m of simulated altitude. The present study aims to determine whether SIH at an altitude as high as 4000 m can elicit greater adaptations than the same training at 2000 m, 3000 m or sea-level. Methods: Thirty well-trained endurance male athletes (18–35 years old) participated in a six-week repeated sprint interval training program (30 s all-out sprint, 4 min 30 s recovery; 4–9 repetitions, 2 sessions/week) at sea-level (SL, n = 8), 2000 m (FiO2 16.7%, n = 8), 3000 m (FiO2 14.5%, n = 7) or 4000 m (FiO2 13.0%, n = 7). Aerobic and anaerobic exercise components were evaluated by an incremental exercise test, a 600 kJ time trial and a Wingate test before and after the training program. Results: After training, peak power output (PPO) during the incremental exercise test increased (~6%) without differences between groups. The lactate threshold assessed by Dmax increased at 2000 m (+14 ± 12 W) and 4000 m (+12 ± 11 W) but did not change at SL and 3000 m. Mean power during the Wingate test increased at SL, 2000 m and 4000 m, although peak power increased only at 4000 m (+38 ± 38 W). Conclusions: The present study indicates that SIH using 30 s sprints is as efficient as SIN for improving aerobic and anaerobic qualities. Additional benefits such as lactate-related adaptations were found only in SIH and Wingate peak power only increased at 4000 m. This finding is of particular interest for disciplines requiring high power output, such as in very explosive sports.

Highlights

Hypoxic training has been used to enhance cycling performance at sea-level for decades
Even if the mechanisms by which hypoxic training has additive effects compared to classical training at sea level remain unclear, some evidence indicates that both aerobic and anaerobic components could benefit from IHT [2,3]
Thirty-one well-trained endurance male athletes competing in amateur categories gave their written consent to voluntarily participate in the experiment, which was approved by the ethical committee of the UCLouvain (B403201939034) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinski

Summary

Introduction

Hypoxic training has been used to enhance cycling performance at sea-level for decades. Altitude training camps were organized at moderate altitude (1800–2500 m) for two to four weeks, two or three times a year. This method has been defined as the traditional “Live high–Train high”. Various strategies have been proposed such as “Live high–Train low”, “Intermittent hypoxic exposure” (IHE) or “Intermittent hypoxic training” (IHT) [1]. This last method has gained in popularity especially when combined with high intensity interval training (HIIT). Results: After training, peak power output (PPO) during the incremental exercise test increased (~6%) without differences between groups.

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