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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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24-10-2022 | Original Article

Adding heat stress to repeated-sprint training in hypoxia does not enhance performance improvements in canoe/kayak athletes

Authors: Keiichi Yamaguchi, Seishiro Kayanuma, Ayano Imai, Nanako Hayashi, Akitoshi Makino, Kazushige Goto

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2023

Abstract

Purpose

The present study investigated the effects of adding heat stress to repeated-sprint training in hypoxia on performance and physiological adaptations in well-trained athletes.

Methods

Sixteen canoe/kayak sprinters conducted 2 weeks of repeated-sprint training consisting of three sets of 5 × 10 s sprints with 20 s active recovery periods under conditions of either normobaric hypoxia (RSH, FiO₂: 14.5%, ambient temperature: 18 ℃, n = 8) or combined heat and normobaric hypoxia (RSHH, FiO₂: 14.5%, ambient temperature: 38 ℃, n = 8). Before and after training, the 10 × 10 s repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test and 500 m time trial were performed on a canoe/kayak ergometer.

Results

Peak and average power outputs during the RSA test were significantly improved after training in both RSH (peak power: + 21.5 ± 4.6%, P < 0.001; average power: + 12.5 ± 1.9%, P < 0.001) and RSHH groups (peak power: + 18.8 ± 6.6%, P = 0.005; average power: + 10.9 ± 6.8%, P = 0.030). Indirect variables of skeletal muscle oxygen extraction (deoxygenated hemoglobin) and blood perfusion (total hemoglobin) during the RSA test were significantly increased after training in the RSH group (P = 0.041 and P = 0.034, respectively) but not in the RSHH group. In addition, finish time during the 500 m time trial was significantly shortened after the training only in the RSH group (RSH: − 3.9 ± 0.8%, P = 0.005; RSHH: − 3.1 ± 1.4%, P = 0.078).

Conclusion

Adding heat stress to RSH does not enhance performance improvement and may partially mask muscle tissue adaptation.

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Title: Adding heat stress to repeated-sprint training in hypoxia does not enhance performance improvements in canoe/kayak athletes
Authors: Keiichi Yamaguchi
Seishiro Kayanuma
Ayano Imai
Nanako Hayashi
Akitoshi Makino
Kazushige Goto
Publication date: 24-10-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2023
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-05054-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Adding heat stress to repeated-sprint training in hypoxia does not enhance performance improvements in canoe/kayak athletes

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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