Intermittent hypoxic training and cycling performance in triathletes

Abstract

Athletes include altitude training as a complement to their conventional training to improve performance. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects on anaerobic threshold (AT) produced by an IHT program in triathletes. 18 male trained triathletes were divided into intermittent hypoxic training group (GIHT: n=9; age: 26±6.73 years, height 173.33±5.94 cm, weight: 66.38±5.91 kg) and control group (GC: n=9; age: 29.27±6.84 years, height 174.89±4.59 cm, weight: 71.59±6.81 kg). The IHT program consisted of two 60-min sessions per week at intensities over the AT and atmospheric conditions between 14.5 and 15% FiO2. Before and after the program, cycling performance in a lactate thresholds test was determined. The treatment caused an improvement in the power output and perceived exertion in AT and enhanced cardiac performance in the aerobic threshold and AT.