Abstract
Introduction:
Altitude training or normobaric hypoxic training is considered an effective method to enhance athletes' performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of “living low-training high” (LLTH) on the anaerobic exercise capacity of elite martial arts Sanda athletes.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial design was employed, dividing Sanda athletes into training (LLTH) and control (Con) groups. The LLTH group (n = 17) underwent hypoxic training sessions simulating altitudes of 2200 m (FiO2 ≈ 15.9%) and 2900 m (FiO2 ≈ 14.6%), while the Con group (n = 17) trained in a normoxic environment. Wingate anaerobic power and blood lactate were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Results
The LLTH group demonstrated marked improvements in anaerobic power parameters compared to their baseline values. Specifically, significant increases were noted in total work (from 297.9 ± 13.2 to 314.0 ± 14.5 J/kg, p = 0.01), peak anaerobic power (from 947.9 ± 38.2 to 1008.2 ± 38.4 W, p < 0.001), relative peak power (from 12.5 ± 0.7 to 12.7 ± 0.6 W/kg, p < 0.001), average power (from 573.3 ± 20.24 to 603.1 ± 18.3 W, p < 0.001), and a decrease in time to peak power (from 6.3 ± 0.6 to 6.2 ± 0.6 s, p < 0.001), along with a reduced power drop rate (from 21.5 ± 2.4 to 19.3 ± 2.2 W/s, p < 0.001). Furthermore, blood lactate levels measured in the quiet state post-intervention were significantly lower in the LLTH group compared to the Control group (1.13 ± 0.18 vs. 2.87 ± 0.82 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Similarly, within the LLTH group, blood lactate levels decreased significantly from pre- to post-intervention (2.90 ± 1.05 to 1.13 ± 0.18 mmol/L, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in other physiological parameters or measurement sites between the two groups.
Conclusion
Four weeks of LLTH intervention enhanced the anaerobic exercise capacity of elite martial arts Sanda athletes, aiding their performance in high-intensity, short-duration activities.