Normobaric Hypoxia as a Strength Training Intensity Amplifier in Ice Hockey Players: Effects on Anaerobic Performance and Muscle Contraction Properties

Summary

The goal of this research study is to investigate the effects of resistance training performed under normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude conditions) on anaerobic performance, lactate clearance, and muscle contractility in elite ice hockey players. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does resistance training under hypoxic conditions improve anaerobic peak power and mean power compared to training under normal oxygen conditions?

Does training under hypoxia affect lactate kinetics and buffering capacity differently than normoxic training?

Does hypoxic training enhance muscle contractility properties differently compared to normoxic training?

In practice: Can hypoxic training help injured athletes maintain performance levels while reducing overall physical stress and preventing detraining?

Researchers will compare four training approaches:

High-intensity training in normoxia (normal oxygen conditions)

Low-intensity training in normoxia

High-intensity training in hypoxia (simulated altitude of 3500 meters)

Low-intensity training in hypoxia

Participants will:

Perform resistance training sessions using a leg press twice a week for 6 weeks, with progressively increased intensity.

Complete anaerobic performance tests (Wingate tests for both lower and upper limbs) before and after the training intervention.

Undergo tensiomyographic assessments to evaluate muscle contractility.

Provide capillary blood samples at 0, 4, and 8 minutes post-exercise to assess lactate clearance and metabolic recovery.

Conditions

• High-intensity Strenght Training in Normoxia (H-N)
• Low-intensity Strenght Training in Normoxia (L-N)
• High-intensity Strenght Training in Normobaric Hypoxia (H-H)
• Low-intensity Strenght Training in Normobaric Hypoxia (L-H)

Interventions

OTHER

Resistance Training (High-Intensity)

Leg press exercise performed at 70-80% of 1RM, structured as 4 sets × 10 repetitions, with controlled tempo and standardized rest intervals (2 minutes).

OTHER

Resistance Training (Low-Intensity)

Leg press exercise performed at 20-30% of 1RM, structured as 4 sets (30/15/15/15 repetitions), with controlled tempo and shorter rest intervals (1 minute).

OTHER

Normobaric Hypoxia

Environmental intervention simulating an altitude of approximately 3500 meters (\~13.5% FiO₂) using a normobaric hypoxic chamber.

OTHER

Normoxia

Training under normal atmospheric oxygen conditions (\~20.9% FiO₂).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Poland

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-25

Primary Completion

2025-05-10

Completion

2025-06-30

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations