Effectiveness of Normobaric Hypoxic Mask Training on VO₂ Max and Endurance Adaptations in Male Athletes Aged 20–30: An Observational Intervention Study
Keywords:
VO₂ max, hypoxic training, endurance performance, normobaric hypoxia, lactate threshold, hemoglobinAbstract
This observational intervention study evaluated the physiological adaptations in 30 trained male athletes (aged 20–30 years) who completed a 12-week structured endurance training program under normobaric hypoxic conditions using high-altitude simulation masks. The training program consisted of 5 weekly sessions combining moderate-intensity continuous runs, high-intensity intervals, tempo runs, and aerobic conditioning on treadmills, air rowers, and tracks—while wearing hypoxic masks (FiO₂ ~15%, simulating ~2500 m altitude). Key outcome measures included VO₂ max, lactate threshold, hemoglobin concentration, and resting heart rate. After 12 weeks, athletes exhibited a statistically significant improvement in VO₂ max (mean increase of 5.2 ± 1.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p < 0.001), enhanced lactate threshold (average increase of 6.8%), and elevated hemoglobin levels (+0.9 g/dL). Resting heart rate showed a significant decline (−5.4 bpm). Subjective feedback indicated greater exertion during initial sessions but reported improved recovery and performance perception over time. These results support the use of normobaric hypoxic training for endurance performance enhancement in already-trained athletes.
Downloads
Metrics
References
Wilber RL. Altitude training and athletic performance. Human Kinetics; 2004.
Levine BD, Stray-Gundersen J. “Living high-training low”: effect of moderate-altitude acclimatization with low-altitude training on performance. J Appl Physiol. 1997;83(1):102–112.
Millet GP, Roels B, Schmitt L, Woorons X, Richalet JP. Combining hypoxic methods for peak performance. Sports Med. 2010;40(1):1–25.
Lundby C, Millet GP, Calbet JA, et al. Does ‘altitude training’ increase exercise performance in elite athletes? Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(11):792–795.
Chapman RF, Stray-Gundersen J, Levine BD. Individual variation in response to altitude training. J Appl Physiol. 1998;85(4):1448–1456.
Gore CJ, Clark SA, Saunders PU. Nonhematological mechanisms of improved sea-level performance after hypoxic exposure. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(9):1600–1609.
Katayama K, Matsuo H, Ishida K, Iwasaki K, Miyamura M. Intermittent hypoxia improves endurance performance and submaximal exercise efficiency. High Alt Med Biol. 2003;4(3):291–304.
Bonetti DL, Hopkins WG. Sea-level exercise performance following adaptation to hypoxia: a meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2009;39(2):107–127.
Saunders PU, Telford RD, Pyne DB, et al. Improved running economy in elite runners after 20 days of simulated moderate-altitude exposure. J Appl Physiol. 2004;96(3):931–937.
Chapman RF. The individual response to training and competition at altitude. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(Suppl 1):i40–i44.
Brugniaux JV, Schmitt L, Robach P, et al. Living high-training low: tolerance and acclimatization in elite endurance athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;96(1):66–77.
Schmitt L, Millet G, Robach P, et al. Influence of “living high-training low” on aerobic performance and economy of work in elite athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;97(5):627–636.
Rusko HK, Tikkanen HO, Peltonen JE. Altitude and endurance training. J Sports Sci. 2004;22(10):928–944.
Fulco CS, Rock PB, Cymerman A. Improving athletic performance: is altitude residence or altitude training helpful? Aviat Space Environ Med. 2000;71(2):162–171.
Wehrlin JP, Zuest P, Hallén J, Marti B. Live high–train low for 24 days increases hemoglobin mass and red cell volume in elite endurance athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;96(3):289–295.
Terrados N, Melichna J, Sylven C, et al. Effects of training at simulated altitude on performance and muscle metabolic capacity in competitive road cyclists. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1988;57(2):203–209.
Wachsmuth NB, Volzke C, Prommer N, Schmidt W. The effects of classic altitude training on total hemoglobin mass in swimmers. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013;113(5):1199–1211.
Gore CJ, Hopkins WG, Burge CM. VO₂max and hemoglobin mass of trained athletes during high-intensity training. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1997;75(3):273–280.
Robach P, Schmitt L, Brugniaux JV, et al. Living high-training low: effect on erythropoiesis and maximal aerobic performance in elite Nordic skiers. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;97(6):695–705.
Saunders PU, Pyne DB, Gore CJ. Endurance training at altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 2009;10(2):135–148.
Calbet JA, Lundby C. Air to muscle O₂ delivery during exercise at altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 2009;10(2):123–134.
Chapman RF, Karlsen T, Resaland GK, et al. Defining the “dose” of altitude training: how high to live for optimal sea level performance enhancement. J Appl Physiol. 2014;116(6):595–603.
Gore CJ, Clark SA, Saunders PU. Nonhematological mechanisms of improved sea-level performance after hypoxic exposure. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(9):1600–1609.
Levine BD, Stray-Gundersen J. A practical approach to altitude training: where to live and train for optimal performance enhancement. Int J Sports Med. 1992;13(Suppl 1):S209–S212.
Millet GP, Faiss R, Brocherie F. Hypoxic training and team sports: a challenge to traditional methods? Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(Suppl 1):i6–i7
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.