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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-08-2014 | Original Article

Effect of acute normobaric hypoxia on the ventilatory threshold

Authors: Carla A. Gallagher, Mark E. T. Willems, Mark P. Lewis, Stephen D. Myers

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2014

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the response of the ventilatory threshold (VT) to acute normobaric hypoxia and compared the agreement between software-based algorithms which use automatic detection to identify the VT. Results were used to examine whether the VT can be used as a physiological parameter to prescribe and monitor exercise intensity in hypoxic exercise training programs.

Methods

Fourteen untrained individuals (7 women, 7 men; age 22 ± 2 years, \(\dot{V}\)O_2peak 46 ± 7 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) completed five identical graded exercise tests (randomized order) on a cycle ergometer to measure VT at sea-level (SL) and in response to four normobaric hypoxic conditions (F_IO₂: 0.185, 0.165, 0.142, 0.125) equivalent to 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 m. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures.

Results

The VT was similar across all conditions (SL = 1.98 ± 0.46, 1,000 m = 2.03 ± 0.61, 2,000 m = 2.27 ± 0.62, 3,000 m = 1.84 ± 0.50, 4,000 m = 2.29 ± 0.58 L min⁻¹) for all algorithms used despite a reduction in arterial oxygen saturation at 3,000 (P ≤ 0.01) and 4,000 m (P ≤ 0.01) compared with SL values.

Conclusion

The VT appears to be a suitable physiological parameter for exercise prescription in normobaric hypoxia up to an altitude of 4,000 m.

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Title: Effect of acute normobaric hypoxia on the ventilatory threshold
Authors: Carla A. Gallagher
Mark E. T. Willems
Mark P. Lewis
Stephen D. Myers
Publication date: 01-08-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2882-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effect of acute normobaric hypoxia on the ventilatory threshold

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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