Background
High-altitude training is frequently implemented by competitive teams but is often limited by short training durations, which may restrict its effectiveness. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been suggested as a preparatory strategy to enhance tolerance to hypoxia and sustain training quality during altitude exposure.
Objectives
This study examined whether four weeks of sea-level IMT combined with a short-term altitude camp improves physiological adaptations in male track athletes.
Study Design
Fourteen collegiate Division-I male athletes were randomly assigned to a control group (n=6, 15% PImax) or an experimental group (n=8, 75% PImax). The intervention consisted of four weeks of IMT at sea level (five days per week, two sessions per day, 30 breaths per session), followed by a one-week altitude camp at 2,100 m and subsequent return to sea level. Maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max), anaerobic indices, and changes in blood lactate levels were assessed before and after IMT, on day five at altitude, and after returning to sea level. A two-way mixed-design ANOVA evaluated the effects of training mode and time.
Results
No significant group differences were found in V̇O₂max, anaerobic indices, or lactate responses. However, PImax increased substantially in the experimental group. Additionally, significant within-group gains in V̇O₂max were observed following short-term high-altitude exposure.
Conclusions
These results indicate that four weeks of IMT combined with short-term altitude exposure enhances inspiratory muscle function and post-altitude aerobic capacity upon return to sea level, while showing relatively limited effects on anaerobic metabolism. The findings of this study can provide a reference for relevant sports teams when planning and implementing high-altitude training.
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