Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hypoxic sprint interval training using cycle ergometer on energy supply and artistic swimming performance. Two Japan national team artistic swimmers who participate in Tokyo 2020 Olympic performed sprint interval training for 24 sessions under the normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 = 14.4-15.5 %). The training consisted of 10-s and 60-s maximal sprinting, and sprint interval training (9×60-s pedaling, 60-s rest or 9×30-s pedaling, 30-s rest×2sets). At the end of training, a questionnaire was administered regarding changes in performance as perceived during competition and practice. The duration of exposure to hypoxia per session was approximately 90-110 minutes. The highest average power during training for the 60-s maximal pedaling test used to assess anaerobic capacity increased by 18 % and 13 %, respectively, for each subject compared to the first training session. In addition, the results of the questionnaire to the athletes indicated that they were able to swim to the end of the performance and that they felt less fatigued, indicating an improvement in subjective energy supply and delayed fatigue. These findings suggest that the sprint interval training under the normobaric hypoxia improved both anaerobic and aerobic capacities and may be an effective training program for artistic swimmers.
https://ror.org/01tx1rq25 
