We aimed to determine whether training of repeated sprints in hypoxia using voluntary hypoventilation improve repeated sprints ability in normal (normoxic) conditions and furthermore, if it provides additional benefit over normoxic repeated sprints training. We used the method of voluntary hypoventilation as it is a simply applicable method for achieving an intermittent hypoxic state and is suitable for introduction into the training process of football players.
The participants were divided into experimental (N=13) and control (N=12) groups. The experimental group performed repeated sprints training with voluntary hypoventilation and the control group repeated sprints training under normal conditions. Before and after the training protocol, the participants performed a repeated sprint test to fatigue. During and after the testing we also measured maximal speed, blood oxygen saturation, maximum heart rate at the end, and rates of percieved exertion.
The experimental group significantly improved their ability to perform repeated sprints and increased the time to fatigue in the repeated sprint test. On average, the number of sprints increased from 8 to 14 repetitions (p < 0.001). The control group, however, did not achieve statistically significant improvements. The experimental group scored on average (+5 sprint repetitions p < 0.001) more than the control group at the final measurements. Also, the experimental group increased the time to fatigue (+91 s, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. However, no differences were noted between the two groups in maximum speed and/or oxygen saturation. The experimental group, however, reached the same level of oxygen desaturation later (after more sprints) than the control group. As we did not detect any differences in the maximum heart rates and ratings of percioeved exertions we can assume that the participants reached the maximum individual intensity in both tests.
We, thereby, conclude that the repeated sprints training in hypoxia using voluntary hypoventilation can be useful for improving repeated sprints ability in soccer players and can therefore be suggested as a possible beneficial addition to such training.
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