High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in Hypoxia Improves Maximal Aerobic Capacity More Than HIIT in Normoxia: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

Ailsa Westmacott, Nilihan E. M. Sanal-Hayes, Marie McLaughlin, Jacqueline L. Mair () and Lawrence D. Hayes
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Ailsa Westmacott: Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
Nilihan E. M. Sanal-Hayes: Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
Marie McLaughlin: Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
Jacqueline L. Mair: Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore 138602, Singapore
Lawrence D. Hayes: Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-15

Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) in hypoxia on maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) compared with HIIT in normoxia with a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-accordant meta-analysis and meta-regression. Studies which measured VO 2max following a minimum of 2 weeks intervention featuring HIIT in hypoxia versus HIIT in normoxia were included. From 119 originally identified titles, nine studies were included ( n = 194 participants). Meta-analysis was conducted on change in (∆) VO 2max using standardised mean difference (SMD) and a random effects model. Meta-regression examined the relationship between the extent of environmental hypoxia (fractional inspired oxygen [FiO 2 ]) and ∆VO 2max and intervention duration and ∆VO 2max . The overall SMD for ∆VO 2max following HIIT in hypoxia was 1.14 (95% CI = 0.56–1.72; p < 0.001). Meta-regressions identified no significant relationship between FiO 2 (coefficient estimate = 0.074, p = 0.852) or intervention duration (coefficient estimate = 0.071, p = 0.423) and ∆VO 2max . In conclusion, HIIT in hypoxia improved VO 2max compared to HIIT in normoxia. Neither extent of hypoxia, nor training duration modified this effect, however the range in FiO 2 was small, which limits interpretation of this meta-regression. Moreover, training duration is not the only training variable known to influence ∆VO 2max , and does not appropriately capture total training stress or load. This meta-analysis provides pooled evidence that HIIT in hypoxia may be more efficacious at improving VO 2max than HIIT in normoxia. The application of these data suggest adding a hypoxic stimuli to a period of HIIT may be more effective at improving VO 2max than HIIT alone. Therefore, coaches and athletes with access to altitude (either natural or simulated) should consider implementing HIIT in hypoxia, rather than HIIT in normoxia where possible, assuming no negative side effects.

Keywords: altitude; sprint; training; endurance; VO 2max (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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