Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia boosts up team-sport-specific repeated-sprint ability: 2-week vs 5-week training regimen

PurposeTo investigate (1) the boosting effects immediately and 4 weeks following 2-week, 6-session repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH2-wk, n = 10) on the ability of team-sport players in performing repeated sprints (RSA) during a team-sport-specific intermittent exercise protocol (RSA(IEP)) by comparing with normoxic counterpart (CON2-wk, n = 12), and (2) the dose effects of the RSH by comparing the RSA alterations in RSH2-wk with those resulting from a 5-week, 15-session regimen (RSH5-wk, n = 10).MethodsRepeated-sprint training protocol consisted of 3 sets, 5 x 5-s all-out sprints on non-motorized treadmill interspersed with 25-s passive recovery under the hypoxia of 13.5% and normoxia, respectively. The within- (pre-, post-, 4-week post-intervention) and between- (RSH2-wk, RSH5-wk, CON2-wk) group differences in the performance of four sets of RSA tests held during the RSA(IEP) on the same treadmill were assessed.ResultsIn comparison with pre-intervention, RSA variables, particularly the mean velocity, horizontal force, and power output during the RSA(IEP) enhanced significantly immediate post RSH in RSH2-wk (5.1-13.7%), while trivially in CON2-wk (2.1-6.2%). Nevertheless, the enhanced RSA in RSH2-wk diminished 4 weeks after the RSH (- 3.17-0.37%). For the RSH5-wk, the enhancement of RSA immediately following the 5-week RSH (4.2-16.3%) did not differ from that of RSH2-wk, yet the enhanced RSA was well-maintained 4-week post-RSH (0.12-1.14%).ConclusionsTwo-week and five-week RSH regimens could comparably boost up the effects of repeated-sprint training in normoxia, while dose effect detected on the RSA enhancement was minimal. Nevertheless, superior residual effects of the RSH on RSA appear to be associated with prolonged regimen.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the immediate and 4-week boosting effects of 2-week, 6-session repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH2-wk) on team-sport players' ability to perform repeated sprints (RSA) during a team-sport-specific intermittent exercise protocol (RSA(IEP)). The results showed that both 2-week and 5-week RSH regimens had similar effects on enhancing RSA during normal oxygen conditions, but the dose effect on RSA enhancement was minimal.