Chronic effects on the physiological and performance variables of intermittent hypoxic exposure

The aim of this study is to investigate the chronic effects of the anthropometric, physiological and performance variables that might occur following the intermittent hypoxic exposure for eight weeks. For this purpose, a total number of 20 males aged ranging between 18 and 26 years old volunteered to participate in the study. [Control Group (C.G, n = 10, body weight: 69,844 ± 7,50 kg, height: 1,73 ± 0,7 m; age: 22, 4 ± 2,8 years) and Intermittent Hypoxia Group (I.H.G, n = 10, body weight: 72,738 ± 8,930 kg; height: 1,70 ± 0,14 m; age: 21,2 ± 1,4 years)]. The I.H.G underwent intermittent hypoxic exposure for 3 days in a week consecutively, with a 60-minutes sessions each. Dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA), isokinetic knee fatigue, incremental progressive cycle ergometer, hemogram and lactate tests were applied to both groups as pre – post tests in order to evaluate the effects of the process. While the intra-group differences were analyzed by a paired sample t test, independent sample t-test was used for the differences in the groups. Furthermore, Mixed design ANOVA was employed to observe the interaction time x group. As a result, it was observed that lean mass, android lean mass, gynoid lean mass, RSMI, RBC, HGB, PLC-C, FVC, PEF, FEF 25%, MVV, 1 mmol lactate threshold (watts), 4 mmol lactate threshold (watt) and MaxVo2 values significantly increased after chronic intermittent hypoxia exposure. Additionally, it was monitored that there was no important change in the DXA and isokinetic knee fatigue values. These results show that chronic intermittent hypoxic exposure might provide beneficial improvements in physiological and performance variables. Keywords: Intermittent hypoxia, Simulated altitude, Normoxic hypoxia