Effect of endurance training in hypoxia-normobaric and normal conditions on serum VEGF concentration, hemoglobin and blood hematocrit

Early exposure to hypoxia condition increases the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)، blood hemoglobin and hematocrit. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of training in hypoxia-normobaric and normal condition on concentration of serum VEGF، hemoglobin and blood hematocrit. This quasi-experimental study was done in Shahid Beheshti University students. 24 non-active volunteer men who had no regulated physical activity up to 6 month before study were selected randomly. Body mass index، subcutaneous fat، VO2max and maximum heart rate were measured in 2 periods and samples were divided into 3 groups of hypoxic (12% oxygen)، normobaric and control، each consisting of 8 people. Data were analyzed using two way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test by SPSS 16 software. 8 weeks of training in hypoxia-normobaric condition increased serum VEGF concentration significantly in hypoxic group according to other groups. Also، there was no significant change in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit percent between hypoxia and normobaric groups، though this change was significant in relation to control group. Endurance training in hypoxia condition increases serum VEGF more than training in normobaric condition. Endurance training in hypoxia- normobaric condition increases blood hemoglobin and hematocrit.