[Polynikes]

here's some studies that were conducted on this tent...

Training-induced increases in sea-level performance are enhanced by acute intermittent hypobaric hypoxia
Ted Meeuwsen2, Ingrid J.M. Hendriksen1, 2, and Michael Holewijn2

(1)
Kampweg 3, 3769 DE Soesterberg, The Netherlands

(2)
Research and Development Department, Netherlands Aeromedical Institute, Soesterberg, The Netherlands


Abstract.

The goal of this study was to investigate to what extent intermittent exposure to altitude in a hypobaric chamber can improve performance at sea-level.

Over a 10-day period, elite male triathletes trained for 2 h each day on a cycle ergometer placed in a hypobaric chamber. Training intensity was 60-70% of the heart rate reserve.

Eight subjects trained at a simulated altitude of 2.500 m (hypoxia group), the other eight remained at sea-level (sea-level group). Baseline measurements were done on a cycle ergometer at sea-level, which included an incremental test until exhaustion and a Wingate Anaerobic Test.

Nine days after training in hypoxia, significant increases were seen in all important parameters of the maximal aerobic as well as the anaerobic test. A significant increase of 7.0% was seen in the mean maximal oxygen uptake per kilogram body weight (VO 2 max), and the mean maximal power output per kilogram body weight (Wmax) increased significantly by 7.4%. The mean values of both mean power per kilogram body weight and peak power per kilogram body weight increased significantly by 5.0%, and the time-to-peak decreased significantly by 37.7%. In the sea-level group, no significant changes were seen in the above-mentioned parameters of both the maximal aerobic and the maximal anaerobic test at the second post-test.

The results of this study indicate that intermittent hypobaric training can improve both the aerobic and the anaerobic energy-supply systems.





Bailey DM, Davies B, Baker J

Training in hypoxia: modulation of ****bolic and cardiovascular risk factors in men.

Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000 Jun;32(6):1058-66



PURPOSE:

This study was designed to determine changes in ****bolic and cardiovascular risk factors following normobaric hypoxic exercise training in healthy men.



METHODS:

Following a randomized baseline maximal exercise test in hypoxia and/or normoxia, 34 physically active subjects were randomly assigned to either a normoxic (N = 14) or a hypoxic (N = 18) training group. Training involved 4 wk of cycling exercise inspiring either a normobaric normoxic (F(IO2) = approximately 20.9%) or a normobaric hypoxic (F(IO2) = approximately 16.0%) gas, respectively, in a double-blind manner. Cycling exercise was performed three times per week for 20-30 min at 70-85% of maximum heart rate determined either in normoxia or hypoxia. Resting plasma concentrations of blood lipids, lipoproteins, total homocysteine, and auscultatory arterial blood pressure responses at rest and in response to submaximal and maximal exercise were measured before and 4 d after physical training.



RESULTS: Total power output during the training period was identical in both normoxic and hypoxic groups. Lean body mass increased by 1.4 +/- 1.5 kg following hypoxic training only .

While dietary composition and nutrient intake did not change during the study, both normoxic and hypoxic training decreased resting plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL).Apolipoproteins AI and B decreased following normoxic training only

Plasma concentrations of resting total homocysteine decreased by 11% following hypoxic training and increased by 10% following normoxic training. These changes were independent of changes in serum vitamin B12 and red cell folate which remained stable throughout. A decreased lactate concentration during submaximal exercise was observed in response to both normoxic and hypoxic training. Hypoxic training decreased maximal systolic blood pressure by 10 +/- 9 mm Hg and the rate pressure product by 14 +/- 23 mm Hg x beats/min and increased maximal oxygen uptake by 0.47 +/- 0.77 L /min.



CONCLUSION:

Normoxic and hypoxic training was associated with significant improvements in selected risk factors and exercise capacity. The stimulus of intermittent normobaric hypoxia invoked an additive cardioprotective effect which may have important clinical implications.





COMMENTS:

1. Homocysteine is a significant risk factor in cardiovascular disease. The plasma level of homocysteine is directly related to coronary mortality. There are various pharmacological attempts to decrease its level, but hypoxic training is far more efficient and safe.

2. While total body mass was not changed, the lean body mass increased significantly, thus fat had been lost and muscle had been gained.

3. Arterial blood pressure decrease, induced by hypoxic workout, reduce cardiovascular risk significantly.

4. VO2 max in the Hypoxic exercising group went up 13% (only 4% in the control group). This has huge sporting significance