Heat training effects on performance in a hypoxic environment

This research paper was completed and submitted at Nipissing University, and is made freely accessible through the University of Toronto’s TSpace repositoryThe effect of a five-day training protocol in the heat on time trial performance in hypoxia was examined. Twelve male participants (27 ± 8 years) were assigned to a hot (HOT; 40°C, 35% RH) or a control group (CON; 18°C, 35% RH) and completed five days of cycling for 60 min at 50% V ̇O2peak. Participants completed a 16 km time-trial in hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.165), pre- (TT1) and post-training (TT2), to determine if heat enhanced cycling performance. Time to completion from TT1 (HOT = 1637 ± 110 s, CON = 1684 ± 117 s) to TT2 (HOT = 1617 ± 118 s, CON = 1671 ± 109 s) was reduced (p = 0.029); however, there was no interaction between groups (p = 0.599). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in heart rate or rectal temperature responses throughout the training protocol. A reduction in resting heart rate (Day 1: HOT = 61 ± 14 beats • min-1, CON = 72 ± 4 beats • min-1 vs. Day 5: HOT = 58 ± 11 beats • min-1, CON = 66 ± 6 beats • min-1; p = 0.049) and rating of perceived exertion (Day 1: HOT = 4 ± 1, CON = 3 ± 2 vs Day 5: HOT = 3 ± 1, CON = 2 ± 1; p = 0.001) was observed; however, there was no interaction between the groups. This study found that training improved time trial performance in hypoxia; however there was no benefits associated with training in the heat.M.Sc