Effect of a Period of Inspiratory Muscle Training at Altitude with Specific Training at High and Low Altitude on Arterial Oxygen Saturation and Performance of National Team's Endurance Runners

The aim of this study was to investigate the Effect of a period of inspiratory muscle training at altitude with specific training at High and Low altitude on SpO2 and performance of endurance runners. 12 running men (age: 24.4±3.1yrs, height: 180.5±4.2cm, weight: 66.7±3.4 kg, BMI: 20.5±1.0 kg/m2) were randomly divided into two groups: inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and without IMT, with specific running training at high and low altitude. Before and 24h after the training period, exhaustive testing free3000 m, Inspiratory strength Index (S-Index) and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) tests were taken. Training program include same continues, interval, aerobic and resistance training for two groups. The runners performed 16 training session per week in Living high train high, low (LHTH,L) within four weeks (just 3 training sessions per week at even days performed at low altitude and keep training with sleep at high altitude). (IMT) consisted of 2 set of 30 breaths with closed nose twice a day (morning and evening) at 50% S-Index at altitude. Repeated measures ANOVA was used as statistical method (P≤0.05). IMT at hypoxia led to significant decrease in 3000 m running time, in both group. But the differences in volume and SpO2 was not significant (P≤0.05). Seems that using inspiratory muscle training along with specified training in hypoxia led to increase in inspiratory muscle strength and inspiratory flow pressure, decrease of ventilation and also 3000 m running time in lower altitudes.