Effects of high-intensity interval training at simulated Altitude. Systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Today, coaches are looking for ways to improve athletes’ physical abilities through different training strategies, such as constant or intermittent exposure to altitude and high intensity interval training. Objective: To review the current literature and describe the effects on the body of simulated high-intensity interval training at altitude in sedentary, physically active, and trained subjects. Results: the number of articles reviewed evidences that, in simulated hypoxia in hypobaric or normobaric chamber (n = 13) or altitude simulation mask (n = 1), all used high intensities (n = 13) to submaximal (n = 1). The research participants were women with sedentary obesity (n = 3), physically active men and women (n = 9), and trained subjects (n = 3). The intervention time of the studies was 3 to 12 weeks, with a simulated altitude of 1824 to 4500 meters. Beneficial effects on body composition were observed, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness, increases in hemoglobin, erythropoietin, energy consumption, concentric and isometric maximum strength, absolute strength and better exercise tolerance (perception of effort). Conclusions: The combination of high intensity interval training combined with a simulated altitude exposure can show significant improvements in cardiorespiratory performance, as well as in aspects of body composition, which would allow a better predisposition to higher intensities of activity and physical exercise.