The effect of intermittent simulated altitude exposure via re-breathing on cycling performance

 
 
 
 

The effect of intermittent simulated altitude exposure via re-breathing on cycling performance

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Title: The effect of intermittent simulated altitude exposure via re-breathing on cycling performance
Author: Babcock, Carmen J.
Description: Increased participation of competitive athletes in new methods of simulated altitude warrants research on changes in performances. PURPOSE: To ascertain the effects of intermittent simulated altitude exposure via re-breathing on cycling performance. METHODS: Eighteen, well-trained male cyclists use a re-breathing device for 15 days. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a low constant exposure group (CON) in which oxygen saturation was held constant (98%); or progressively increased exposure group (TRT), where oxygen saturation was progressively reduced (90% to 77% over 15 days). An exercise performance test was performed to familiarize subjects to the protocol (FAM), prior to simulated altitude exposure (PRE) and following simulated altitude exposure (POST). The critical power protocol was used to examine power output in varied time trial (TT) efforts. Performance was also investigated through measurements of lactate, oxygen consumption (VO2), and heart rate (HR). Blood characteristics examined include hematocrit, reticulocyte and serum Ferritin values. RESULTS: There was significant improvement (p=.004) for the TRT group at POST in the 15m TT (PRE = 325.0 ± 12.2 watts, POST = 335.0 ± 11.9 watts) and estimated 60m TT (PRE = 300.1 ± 28.4; POST = 322.4 ± 36.1) compared to no improvement in the CON group. The TRT group improvement was 3-4.5% in average power output. There were no significant differences in the power outputs of the 3m TT at POST for either group. There were no significant differences in haematological measures at POST for either group. A decreased VO2 Index (p=.075) and a significant decrease (p = .026) in HR Index (HRavg/wattavg) was revealed for the TRT group (PRE = 0.564 ± 0.044; POST = 0.544 ± 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: In competitive cyclists, the use of a re-breathing device resulted in improved performance for events which rely heavily on aerobic power but none for anaerobic power. These findings are similar in regard to performance adaptations found in other acclimatization investigations, terrestrial or simulated. It is suggested that the re-breathing form of simulated altitude may be utilized as an alternative to terrestrial or other forms of simulated altitude, in efforts to mediate performance gains in endurance type events.
Permanent Link: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1179856789
http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/5497
Date: 2007

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