An Update to a Comprehensive Assessment of the Methods and Effectiveness of Resistance Training in Normobaric Hypoxia for the Development of Strength and Muscular Hypertrophy

Abstract

Background. Training muscle capacities in hypoxic conditions increases some manifestations, such as hypertrophy and muscle strength, due to a change in the muscle phenotype as a result of the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF). Despite the proven benefits of resistance training in hypoxic conditions that allow conjecture regarding the effectiveness in facilitating muscular capacities in different populations, there is still controversy regarding the difference between resistance training in hypoxia and normoxia. The objective of this review was to compile the present evidence and update the methods and effectiveness of resistance training in simulated hypoxia for the development of strength and muscle hypertrophy. Methodology. A systematic search for an integrative review was carried out based on the preferred reporting guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) in 4 stages: identification, data selection, data collection and extraction, and quality evolution. Results. Four studies (92 participants) reported benefits in strength when training in hypoxia, three (101 participants) benefits in hypertrophy, and twelve (327 participants) benefits in strength and hypertrophy. Conclusion. Based on the findings of this systematic review, it is concluded that there are positive effects on muscle size and ability to generate force after a hypoxic training programme. However, some studies did not show a statistically greater benefit than for the normoxia groups, but several methodologies have been identified that promote the benefits of hypoxia.

Effects of various living-low and training-high modes with distinct training prescriptions on sea-level performance: A network meta-analysis

“…Some studies have suggested that hypoxic exposure can have harmful effects on muscle tissue, reducing protein synthesis [ 54 , 84 , 85 ] and leading to muscle fiber atrophy. However, short-term hypoxic exposure, particularly when combined with resistance training, could have a reverse effect through the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis [ 86 , 87 ], which is beneficial for improving anaerobic performance.…”

Two decades of research in human movement science in Costa Rica: future growth and development

“…In this sense, from the HMS, there has been a great interrelation with diverse areas (see Figure 4). The interplay between HMS and other disciplines, such as medicine (Gamonales et al, 2023) Collaboration at an international level is crucial for the development and growth of high-quality research in HMS in developing countries like Costa Rica. By collaborating with experts from different parts of the world, researchers in Costa Rica can access cutting-edge technology, methods, and expertise.…”

[Traducción al español] Dos décadas de investigación en ciencias del movimiento humano en Costa Rica: crecimiento y desarrollo futuro

“…En este sentido, desde las CMH ha habido una gran interrelación con diversas áreas (ver Figura 4). La relación entre las CMH y otras disciplinas, tales como la medicina (Gamonales et al, 2023), nutrición (Capitan-Jimenez y Aragon-Vargas, 2022; Gamonales, Rojas- Gómez-Miranda et al, 2022), psicología (Gutiérrez-Vargas et al, 2021;Hernandez-Gamboa et al, 2022;Jiménez-Maldonado et al, 2018), salud ocupacional (Crowe et al, 2022;Mora et al, 2022) en Costa Rica, ha permitido a los profesionales en CMH expandir su conocimiento y crear nuevas oportunidades de investigación. Este tipo de colaboración permite la provisión de soluciones a un sector de la población desde un paradigma más amplio.…”