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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-03-2022 | Fatigue | Original Article

Repeated sprint training under hypoxia improves aerobic performance and repeated sprint ability by enhancing muscle deoxygenation and markers of angiogenesis in rugby sevens

Authors: Wadee Pramkratok, Tongthong Songsupap, Tossaporn Yimlamai

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2022

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effects of repeated sprint (RS) training in hypoxia on aerobic performance, repeated sprint ability (RSA), and muscle oxygenation in Rugby Sevens.

Methods

Fourteen Rugby Sevens players were randomly allocated into hypoxic (RSH, F_IO₂ = 14.5%, n = 7) or normoxic (RSN, F_IO₂ = 20.9%, n = 7) groups. Both groups underwent RS training consisting of 3 sets of 6-s × 10 sprints at 140% of velocity at peak oxygen uptake (\(vV{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{peak}}\)) on a motorized treadmill, 3 days/week for 6 weeks in addition to usual training. Hematological variables, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations were measured. Aerobic performance, RSA, and muscle oxygenation during the running-based anaerobic sprint (RAS) test were analyzed.

Results

RSH caused no changes in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit but significant improvements in \(V{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{peak}}\) (7.5%, p = 0.03, ES = 1.07), time to exhaustion (17.6%, p = 0.05, ES = 0.92), and fatigue index (FI, − 12.3%, p = 0.01, ES = 1.39) during the RSA test compared to baseline but not RSN. While ∆deoxygenated hemoglobin was significantly increased both after RSH and RSN (p < 0.05), ∆tissue saturation index (− 56.1%, p = 0.01, ES = 1.35) and ∆oxygenated hemoglobin (− 54.7%, p = 0.04, ES = 0.97) were significantly decreased after RSH. These changes were concomitant with increased levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in serum after RSH with a strong negative correlation between ∆FI and ∆deoxygenated hemoglobin after RSH (r = − 0.81, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

There was minimal benefit from adding RSH to standard Rugby Sevens training, in eliciting improvements in aerobic performance and resistance to fatigue, possibly by enhanced muscle deoxygenation and increased serum HIF-1α and VEGF concentrations.

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Title: Repeated sprint training under hypoxia improves aerobic performance and repeated sprint ability by enhancing muscle deoxygenation and markers of angiogenesis in rugby sevens
Authors: Wadee Pramkratok
Tongthong Songsupap
Tossaporn Yimlamai
Publication date: 01-03-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Fatigue
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04861-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Repeated sprint training under hypoxia improves aerobic performance and repeated sprint ability by enhancing muscle deoxygenation and markers of angiogenesis in rugby sevens

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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