Research article - (2017)16, 328 - 332
Does “Live High-Train Low (and High)” Hypoxic Training Alter Running Mechanics In Elite Team-sport Players?
Olivier Girard1,2,, Grégoire P. Millet2, Jean-Benoit Morin3, Franck Brocherie2,4
1Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Doha, Qatar
2ISSUL, Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
3Université Côte d’Azur, LAMHESS, Nice, France
4Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Research Department, French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France

Olivier Girard
✉ Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, PoBox 29222, Doha, Qatar
Email: oliv.girard@gmail.com
Received: 19-03-2016 -- Accepted: 12-06-2017
Published (online): 08-08-2017

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate if “Live High-Train Low (and High)” hypoxic training alters constant-velocity running mechanics. While residing under normobaric hypoxia (≥14 h·d-1; FiO2 14.5-14.2%) for 14 days, twenty field hockey players performed, in addition to their usual training in normoxia, six sessions (4 × 5 × 5-s maximal sprints; 25 s passive recovery; 5 min rest) under either normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 ~14.5%, n = 9) or normoxia (FiO2 20.9%, n = 11). Before and immediately after the intervention, their running pattern was assessed at 10 and 15 km·h-1 as well as during six 30-s runs at ~20 km·h-1 with 30-s passive recovery on an instrumented motorised treadmill. No clear changes in running kinematics and spring-mass parameters occurred globally either at 10, 15 or ~20 km·h-1, with also no significant time × condition interaction for any parameters (p > 0.14). Independently of the condition, heart rate (all p < 0.05) and ratings of perceived exertion decreased post-intervention (only at 15 km·h-1, p < 0.05). Despite indirect signs for improved psycho-physiological responses, no forthright change in stride mechanical pattern occurred after “Live High-Train Low (and High)” hypoxic training.

Key words: Altitude training, repeated-sprint training, running mechanics, constant velocity runs, team sports, psycho-physiological responses

Key Points
  • There are indirect signs for improved psycho-physiological responses in responses to “Live High-Train Low (and High)” hypoxic training.
  • This hypoxic training regimen, however, does not modify the running mechanics of elite team-sport players at low and high velocities.
  • Coaches can be confident that this intervention, known for inducing significant metabolic benefits, is appropriate for athletes since their running kinetics and kinematics are not negatively affected by chronic hypoxic exposure.








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