Low-load resistance training with hypoxia mimics traditional strength training in team sport athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-load resistance training under hypoxia compared to conventional resistance training. Forty male team sport athletes (20.2 ± 1.7 y, 172.5 ± 5.6 cm, 66.3 ± 9.6 kg) were divided into 4 resistance training groups; normobaric 30%1RM (CT₃₀), normobaric 30%1RM (CT₈₀), hypoxic 30%1RM (HT₅₀), and hypoxic 50%1RM (HT₅₀). Resistance training included 3 sets of 15 repetitions of knee extensions and 3 sets of knee flexion, 3 day a week for 5 weeks. The hypoxic condition was set at FiO2 = 14%. Isometric, isokinetic and isotonic maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) along with blood lactate were measured before and after the five week training program. Compared to CT₃₀, isometric MVC increased substantially in all other groups after training (CT₈₀ 21.0 ± 14.7%, HT₃₀ 16.9 ± 12.3%, HT₅₀ 16.7 ± 7.9), however there was no significant difference between groups. Compared to CT₃₀ 1RM increased post training in the CT₈₀ and HT₅₀ groups (23.7 ± 10.8 % and 24.4 ± 3.8% p = 0.004, p = 0.045 respectively) with little difference found between CT₈₀ and HT₅₀ groups (0.6 ± 8.4%). Low-load resistance training under hypoxic conditions (HT₅₀) mimics the strength benefits gained from traditional high load training.