# The effects of high intensity interval training in normobaric hypoxia on aerobic capacity in basketball players

PMID: 24511346
Journal: Journal of Human Kinetics
Published: 2013-12-31
Authors: Czuba M, Zając A, Maszczyk A, Roczniok R, Poprzęcki S, Garbaciak W, Zając T

## Question

Does performing the same high-intensity interval training in normobaric hypoxia produce larger aerobic and hematological adaptations than normoxic training in basketball players?

## Summary

In 12 well-trained male basketball players, three weeks of HIIT in simulated altitude improved treadmill distance, maximal workload, VO2max, oxygen pulse, and lactate recovery more than the same training in normoxia. Hematological and body-composition measures did not change.

## Population

- Well-trained male basketball players from the same team.
- Sample size: 12
- Age: About 22 years
- Sex: Men only
- Fitness level: Well-trained athletes
- Health status: Medically cleared

## Methodology

- Small parallel-group controlled training study
- 3 weeks plus recovery microcycle
- Normobaric hypoxic chamber and normoxic chamber training during basketball preparation
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Hypoxic HIIT.
- Modality: Treadmill running in normobaric hypoxia.
- Work intervals: 4 min.
- Recovery: 4 min active recovery.
- Sets or repetitions: 4-5 bouts.
- Intensity: 90% vVO2max-hyp work, 60% recovery; simulated 2500 m.
- Session duration: About 57-65 min.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 3 weeks.
- Progression: 4 to 5 bouts after second microcycle.
- Normoxic HIIT.
- Modality: Treadmill running in normoxia.
- Work intervals: 4 min.
- Recovery: 4 min active recovery.
- Sets or repetitions: 4-5 bouts.
- Intensity: 90% vVO2max work, 60% recovery.
- Session duration: About 57-65 min.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 3 weeks.
- Progression: 4 to 5 bouts after second microcycle.

## Outcomes

### VO2max
Status: improved
Hypoxic HIIT increased VO2max more than normoxic HIIT.

Hypoxia absolute +6.5% and relative +7.8%, p<0.001; normoxia absolute +1.3% and relative +2.1%, p<0.05.

### Workload
Status: improved
Maximal workload improved in hypoxia, with smaller normoxic changes.

Hypoxia absolute +4.5%, p<0.01 and relative +6.2%, p<0.01; normoxia relative +2.8%, p<0.05.

### Lactate recovery
Status: improved
Hypoxic training improved lactate recovery.

Delta lactate -9.5%, p<0.05; 12-min recovery improved, p<0.01.

### Hematology
Status: no clear change
Blood morphology did not significantly change.

No significant changes in RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or MCV.

## Practical Insights

- Four-minute intervals can build aerobic capacity in trained athletes.
- Hypoxic augmentation is an advanced, equipment-dependent strategy.
- Performance gains should not be framed as hematological adaptation in this short protocol.

## Limitations

- Small sample
- Men only
- Athlete-only
- Short intervention
- No non-training control group
- Concurrent basketball practice

## Safety And Adherence

- Participants had medical clearance for exhaustive hypoxic exercise.
- No adverse events were reported in the extracted NXML.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24511346/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2013-0073) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916912/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.