Resistance Training Using Different Hypoxic Training Strategies: a Basis for Hypertrophy and Muscle Power Development

Abstract

The possible muscular strength, hypertrophy, and muscle power benefits of resistance training under environmental conditions of hypoxia are currently being investigated.Nowadays, resistance training in hypoxia constitutes a promising new training strategy for strength and muscle gains. The main mechanisms responsible for these effects seem to be related to increased metabolite accumulation due to hypoxia. However, no data are reported in the literature to describe and compare the efficacy of the different hypertrophic resistance training strategies in hypoxia.Moreover, improvements in sprinting, jumping, or throwing performance have also been described at terrestrial altitude, encouraging research into the speed of explosive movements at altitude. It has been suggested that the reduction in the aerodynamic resistance and/or the increase in the anaerobic metabolism at higher altitudes can influence the metabolic cost, increase the take-off velocities, or improve the motor unit recruitment patterns, which may explain these improvements. Despite these findings, the applicability of altitude conditions in improving muscle power by resistance training remains to be clarified.This review examines current knowledge regarding resistance training in different types of hypoxia, focusing on strategies designed to improve muscle hypertrophy as well as power for explosive movements.

Effect of acute exposure to moderate altitude on kinematic variables of the ippon-seoi-nage and its relationship with the countermovement jump in elite judokas

“…As has been shown in previous studies, acute exposure to moderate altitude improves explosive actions in basic strength exercises [ 1 – 3 ] and in sports activities [ 4 – 6 ]. This may be related to various factors like reduction in aerodynamic resistance [ 4 , 6 , 7 ], modified motor unit recruitment patterns due to an increased anaerobic metabolism [ 8 , 9 ], and a direct effect of hypoxemia on the supraspinal structures [ 10 – 12 ], which could justify the positive altitude effect on explosive exercise performance. The improvement in the PV of the CMJ observed in this study is in line with these studies, however the lack of improvement in the kinematic variables of the ippon-seoi-nage seems to contradict them, despite the explosive character of the movement and the great angular velocity and acceleration reached during the performance of ippon-seoi-nage .…”

“…Some authors suggest that this improvement may be due to a reduction in aerodynamic resistance in approximate proportion to the square of the velocity when cycling, running or throwing objects [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. Modified motor unit recruitment patterns due to an increased anaerobic metabolism [ 8 , 9 ] could also be partly responsible for the improvements [ 10 ]. In addition, an increase in spinal excitability has been related to acute simulated hypoxia [ 11 ] and a greater increase in the Hoffmann’s reflex amplitude of the soleus muscle has been described at acute moderate altitude when compared with sea level [ 12 ], which can be related to a direct effect of hypoxemia on the supraspinal structures [ 10 ].…”

“…Modified motor unit recruitment patterns due to an increased anaerobic metabolism [ 8 , 9 ] could also be partly responsible for the improvements [ 10 ]. In addition, an increase in spinal excitability has been related to acute simulated hypoxia [ 11 ] and a greater increase in the Hoffmann’s reflex amplitude of the soleus muscle has been described at acute moderate altitude when compared with sea level [ 12 ], which can be related to a direct effect of hypoxemia on the supraspinal structures [ 10 ]. All these findings seem to indicate a possible additive effect between air pressure and composition that could positively affect explosive actions performed in moderate altitude, while simulated hypoxia does not display changes of interest [ 2 , 13 ] and may reproduce different responses [ 14 ].…”

Informe sobre el I Seminario Internacional Ciencia en Judo (SICJ)

“…El ponente aportó una información muy interesante en relación al proyecto "HI-POWER", el cual tenía por objetivo conocer qué influencia tiene el ascenso y/o permanencia en altitud sobre el cambio en los niveles de fuerza y su influencia en el rendimiento muscular y funcional en judo. Los resultados del estudio muestran, en líneas generales, cómo el entrenamiento en altura genera grandes beneficios metabólicos, incrementos en las adaptaciones musculares, así como de la potencia aeróbica y capacidad anaeróbica, alcanzándose el pico de rendimiento de forma inmediata tras el descenso (Feriche, García-Ramos, Morales-Artacho, & Padial, 2017). Este proyecto ofrece una nueva visión en relación a los beneficios del entrenamiento en hipoxia, no solo a nivel metabólico, sino también en relación al uso del entrenamiento en altura para optimizar el desarrollo de fuerza y potencia en deportistas de alto rendimiento.…”

Evaluation of 18-Week Whole-Body Vibration Training in Normobaric Hypoxia on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength in an Elderly Population

“…Despite these potential benefits, evidence for greater muscle strength gains and structural physiological changes in response to resistance training under hypoxic conditions is not conclusive (Feriche et al, 2017). Differences in the nature of hypoxia (normobaric or hypobaric hypoxia), such as training intensity (light or moderate loads), number of sets (3-6), rest period between sets (30-180 seconds), muscles worked (arms, legs, or chest), training program duration (4-8 weeks), training frequencies (2-3 sessions per week), total sessions (10-24), and severity of hypoxia (from 12% to 16% fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO 2 ]), may have modified the strength adaptations observed (Feriche et al, 2017;Ramos-Campo et al, 2017c).…”