Eight Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training Using Elevation Mask May Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Pulmonary Functions, and Hematological Variables in University Athletes

Background: In the last two decades, high-altitude training (HAT) and elevation training masks (ETMs) have been widely used among athletes to enhance physical performance. However, few studies have examined the effect of wearing ETMs on physiological and hematological parameters in different sports. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of ETM use in athletes on several hematological and physiological indicators among cyclists, runners, and swimmers. Methods: The impact of wearing an ETM on lung function (LF), aerobic capacity (AC), and hematological levels in male university-level athletes (cyclists, runners, and swimmers) was investigated using an experimental approach. The participants (N = 44) were divided into (i) an experimental group wearing ETMs (n = 22; aged 21.24 ± 0.14 years old) and (ii) a control group not wearing ETMs (n = 22; aged 21.35 ± 0.19 years old). Both groups underwent 8 weeks of high-intensity cycle ergometer interval training. Pre- and post-training tests included the above-mentioned physiological and hematological parameters. Results: Except for FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, VT1, and MHR in the control group and FEV₁/FVC and HRM in the experimental group, all variables were significantly improved after the 8-week cycle ergometer HIIT program. Significant benefits in favor of the experimental group were noted in terms of changes in FVC, FEV₁, VO₂max, VT1, PO to VT, VT2, and PO to VT2. Conclusions: The eight-week ETM-assisted HIIT program improved cardiorespiratory fitness and hematological variables in all participants. Future research would be useful to further investigate the physiological changes resulting from ETM-assisted HIIT programs