Time Decay in the Performance Benefits From Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia in World-Class Short-Track Speed Skaters

Abstract

Purpose: In short-track speed skating, athletes need to possess specific physiological capabilities to perform explosive starts and to finish races with faster lap times than their opponents. Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) can enhance repeated-sprint ability and high-intensity performance. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between on- and off-ice performance indicators for training and testing purposes and how these are optimized with RSH in world-class short-track speed skaters including world and Olympic champions. Methods: RSH training was administered for 3 consecutive weeks, 3 times per week, at 3500 m of simulated altitude. Testing sessions (on-ice: 3-lap, 27-lap; off-ice: cycling incremental test, 7-s and 30-s Wingate) were performed immediately before and 2 and 4 weeks after RSH to determine the time course of decay. Results: On-ice top speed showed a small and possibly beneficial change of ∼0.9% for the women and large and almost certain ∼0.7% improvement for the men 2 weeks post-RSH. Cycling peak power showed a moderate and probable ∼5.4% improvement for the men 2 weeks after RSH. These adaptations reverted to baseline 4 weeks post-RSH. Wingate average power showed a small and possibly beneficial gain (∼3.4%) in performance 4 weeks post-RSH. Conclusion: Although scientific controls could not be added due to the extremely high caliber of these athletes and low sample size of the national team, this study suggests that cycling RSH can be added immediately after on-ice training and can transfer into meaningful improvements on the ice in both male and female skaters.