male basketball players to participate
in their study. Participants were
divided into two groups, hypoxia (H)
and control (C). The hypoxia training
group completed their training in a
hypoxic chamber which was set at a
simulated altitude of 2,500 metres,
which had an oxygen concentration
of only 15.2 per cent. At sea level
for example, the normal oxygen
concentration is 20.93 per cent. The
control group also completed its
training in the hypoxic chamber but
at normal, sea level conditions. Both
groups trained six days per week for
three weeks with each training session
lasting 90 to 120 minutes with the
intensity at ~90 per cent of VO2 max
(five, four minute bouts). A warm up
(60 per cent VO2 max x 5 mins, then 70
per cent VO2 max x 5 mins) and cool
down (60 per cent VO2 max x 10 mins)
was provided to both groups for each
training session. All participants were
tested on a treadmill prior to initiating
the training and immediately upon
completion of three weeks of training.
Results: Following the three weeks
of high intensity interval training
there were no significant differences
between the two groups in terms of
body weight, lean muscle mass or
percentage body fat. However, there
was a significant improvement in
the total distance ridden during the
bike test (+10.0 per cent) as well as
power output (+4.5 per cent) and VO2
max (+7.8 per cent) in the hypoxia
group. This group also experienced a
decrease in HR max (-1.6 per cent) and
in peak lactate levels (9.6 per cent).
The 30-second article
• Altitude training involves training at reduced oxygen
atmospheres – real or simulated – in order to improve
endurance performance
• It has been associated with a number of both health and
fitness benefits
• It has become widely used by many sporting disciplines and
football codes and is gaining mainstream popularity
• This athlete study linked altitude training to increased
power output and VO 2 max, and reduced HR max and peak
lactate levels.
Pros: These are promising results and lend support to
the use of simulated short term altitude training combined
with high intensity interval training for improved endurance
performance, specifically VO2 max.
Cons: Now that more commercial training facilities are
installing altitude chambers, it will be interesting to see
the improvements in endurance capacity by non-athletes.
It would have been beneficial if the researchers had also
measured haemoglobin, haematocrit and erythropoietin.
Individuals considering trialling hypoxic training should first
speak with their GP, and if deemed safe should ensure they
use a pulse oximeter during all hypoxic training sessions to
monitor their degree of desaturation (i.e. a decrease in blood
oxygen levels) in a professionally supervised environment,
with suitably qualified individuals.
Associate Professor Mike Climstein, PhD FASMF FACSM FAAESS
is one of Australia’s leading Accredited Exercise Physiologists. He is
the program director of Clinical Exercise Science and co-director of
the Water Based Research Unit at Bond University’s Institute of Health
& Sport. [email protected]
Joe Walsh, MSc is a sport and exercise scientist. As well as working for
Charles Darwin and Bond Universities, he is a director of Fitness Clinic
in Five Dock, Sydney. fitnessclinic.com.au
There is a 1-2 per cent increase in performance, which mightn’t
sound like much, but can be the difference between a medal
and failing to qualify.
NETWORK WINTER 2014 | 31