Effects in body composition and bone mineral density of simulate altitude program in triathletes

Abstract

Introduction: body composition is an important factor to improve athletic performance. Futhermore, bone mineral density informs about the bone stiffness of the skeletal system. Objective: the aim of the present research was to analyze modifications on body composition and bone mineral density parameters after a seven week intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) program. Methods: eighteen male trained triathletes were divided in two groups: an intermittent hypoxia training group (GIHT: n: 9; 26.0 ± 6.7 years; 173.3 ± 5.9 cm; 66.4 ± 5.9 kg; VO2 max: 59.5 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min) that conducted a normoxic training plus an IHT and a control group (GC: n: 9; 29.3 ± 6.8 years; 174.9 ± 4.6 cm; 59.7 ± 6.8 kg; VO2 max: 58.9 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min) that performed only a normoxic training. Training process was standardized across the two groups. The IHT program consisted on two 60 minutes sessions per week at intensities over the anaerobic threshold and atmospheric conditions between 14.5 and 15% FiO2. Results: Before and after the seven week training, body composition and bone mineral density were analyzed. After this training program, the GIHT showed lower values in free fat mass in upper limbs and fat mass in lower limbs (p < 0.05) than before the program. In terms of bone mineral density variables, between the two groups no changes were found. Conclusion: the addition of an IHT program to normoxic training caused an improvement in body composition parameters compared to similar training under normoxic conditions.