Effect of practical hyperoxic high-intensity interval training on exercise performance

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of a practical hyperoxic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity. Sixteen male athletes were randomized into 2 groups: normoxic HIIT (NHIIT, n = 8) group or hyperoxic HIIT (HHIIT, n = 8) group and trained for 3 weeks (2 days/week) on a cycle ergometer (2-min intervals, with 2-min rest between intervals) at maximal workload, which was obtained during a maximal graded exercise test under normoxia. All training sessions were performed until exhaustion. Participants performed maximal graded exercise, submaximal exercise, and 90-s maximal exercise tests before and after the training period. Maximal oxygen uptake (P < 0.01) increased significantly in both groups. Blood lactate curve during submaximal exercise improved significantly only in the HHIIT group (P < 0.01). Mean power output during maximal exercise increased significantly only in the HHIIT group (P = 0.02). This study demonstrated that a practical hyperoxic HHIIT might be effective for improving aerobic capacity and anaerobic performance.

Keywords: Aerobic capacity; Hyperoxic training; Lactate curve.