The Effects of High Intensity Intermittent Exercise in Normobaric Hypoxia on Aerobic Capacity and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Sedentary Adults

<p>The purpose of this study was to examine if high intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) combined with normobaric hypoxia had a multiplicative effect on body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), and resting energy expenditure (REE) in overweight and obese sedentary adults. Twelve participates were recruited for the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either a hypoxic training (HT) group equivalent to 3,048 m (F_IO₂ = 14.5%) or a normoxic training (NT) group equivalent to 0 m (F_IO₂ = 20.9%) three times a week for six weeks in a normobaric hypoxic chamber. HIIE consisted of four .5 minute cycle ergometer sprints separated by 4.5 min light pedaling. Every two weeks another .5 minute sprint was added to a total of six by the final two weeks. Body composition was estimated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan), while VO_2max and REE were estimated via VO₂ assessment and indirect calorimetry. All variables were statistically analyzed pre and post training across and between groups using repeated measures ANOVA. Significant improvements were seen in REE (<em>P</em> P P > .05) difference between groups, although mean values improved more in HT. A significant (<em>P</em> 2max was seen between groups. Because HT showed significant improvement in VO_2max hypoxic HIIE might be a unique strategy for improving the aerobic capacity of overweight and obese sedentary adults.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health and Human Performance

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Adolphs, Max W

Contributors dc:contributor

• Scott Drum

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/40

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.nmu.edu:theses-1042