Mean Propulsive Velocity Is a Viable Method for Adjusting the Resistance-Training Load at Moderate Altitude.

Lara Rodríguez-Zamora,Brad Jon Schoenfeld,Paulino Padial,Belén Feriche

doi:10.3389/fspor.2019.00052

Lara Rodríguez-Zamora, Brad Jon Schoenfeld + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2019.00052

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Abstract

We examined the viability of using mean propulsive velocity (MPV) to adjust the load in the countermovement jump (CMJ) at moderate altitude. Twenty-four volunteers were assigned to a 4-week power-oriented resistance training (RT) program in either normoxia (N, 690 m) or intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH, 2,320 m). The load was adjusted to maintain execution velocity of CMJ at 1m·s−1 of MPV. Relative peak power output (Prel), and percentage of velocity loss throughout the sets (VL) were determined for each session. The internal load was measured by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The absolute load lifted was higher in IH compared to N (75.6 ± 8.4 vs. 58.5 ± 12.3 kg P < 0.001). However, similar relative increases for both groups were found when comparing the final values (IH: 8.2%, P = 0.007; N: 9.8%, P = 0.03) with no changes in VL between groups (P = 0.36). Post-study Prel improved significantly only in IH (+7% W·kg−1, P = 0.002). Mean RPE was greater in IH vs. N (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 5.6 ± 2, P < 0.001). The MPV seems to be a viable method for adjusting external load during RT at moderate altitude. However, given that RT at moderate altitude increases RPE, it is prudent to monitor internal load when using the MPV to best determine the actual physiological stress of the session.

Highlights

Altitude training is a strategy widely used by athletes to improve performance at sea level
The present study used a longitudinal design with two parallel groups [living and training in normoxia (N; n = 11), and living in N and training at intermittent moderate altitude (IH; 2,320 m); n = 13] to compare the changes in variables linked to a 1 m·s−1 of mean propulsive velocity (MPV) (Loturco et al, 2015) [load lifted and peak power output (W)–both in absolute and relative values, and the percentage of velocity loss throughout the sets (%, VL)] when executing a countermovement jump (CMJ) during a 4-week power-oriented resistance training (RT) program
The aim of this study was to examine the viability of the MPV to adjust the individual load during a power-oriented RT program at moderate altitude

Summary

Introduction

Altitude training (usually at moderate altitudes of 1,800–2,500 m) is a strategy widely used by athletes to improve performance at sea level. Explosive actions seemingly benefit from hypobaric hypoxia exposure due to the decreased air resistance and modified motor unit recruitment patterns as a result of the increased anaerobic metabolism release (Scott et al, 2016b,c; Ramos-Campo et al, 2017). To this end, improvements in sprinting, throwing, and jumping performance at altitude have been reported after exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (Hamlin et al, 2015). It has been shown that both acute and prolonged exposure to moderate altitude improved maximal power, movement velocity, and jump performance (Feriche et al, 2014; García-Ramos et al, 2016b)

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