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Effects of Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia on Sea-Level Performance: A Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

Background

Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) is a recent intervention regarding which numerous studies have reported effects on sea-level physical performance outcomes that are debated. No previous study has performed a meta-analysis of the effects of RSH.

Objective

We systematically reviewed the literature and meta-analyzed the effects of RSH versus repeated-sprint training in normoxia (RSN) on key components of sea-level physical performance, i.e., best and mean (all sprint) performance during repeated-sprint exercise and aerobic capacity (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake [\(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }\)]).

Methods

The PubMed/MEDLINE, SportDiscus®, ProQuest, and Web of Science online databases were searched for original articles—published up to July 2016—assessing changes in physical performance following RSH and RSN. The meta-analysis was conducted to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) between the effects of RSH and RSN on sea-level performance outcomes.

Results

After systematic review, nine controlled studies were selected, including a total of 202 individuals (mean age 22.6 ± 6.1 years; 180 males). After data pooling, mean performance during repeated sprints (SMD = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.02 to 0.93; P = 0.05) was further enhanced with RSH when compared with RSN. Although non-significant, additional benefits were also observed for best repeated-sprint performance (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.89; P = 0.30) and \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }\) (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI −0.25 to 0.61; P = 0.41).

Conclusion

Based on current scientific literature, RSH induces greater improvement for mean repeated-sprint performance during sea-level repeated sprinting than RSN. The additional benefit observed for best repeated-sprint performance and \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }\) for RSH versus RSN was not significantly different.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ISSUL, Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Lausanne, Building Geopolis, Campus Dorigny, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Franck Brocherie, Olivier Girard, Raphaël Faiss & Grégoire P. Millet

  2. Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Research Department, French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France

    Franck Brocherie

  3. Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Doha, Qatar

    Olivier Girard

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  1. Franck Brocherie
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Correspondence to Franck Brocherie.

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Franck Brocherie, Olivier Girard, Raphaël Faiss, and Grégoire P. Millet declare that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this review.

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Brocherie, F., Girard, O., Faiss, R. et al. Effects of Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia on Sea-Level Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Med 47, 1651–1660 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0685-3

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