Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences of physiological responses induced by exercise in hypoxia, normoxia, and hyperoxia. Eight sprint kayak paddlers performed incremental tests in hypoxia (16.4 %), normoxia (20.9 %), and hyperoxia (30.0 %) on separated days. As a result, power output (6 %, P < 0.05) , oxygen uptake (5 %, P < 0.05) and oxygen saturation were significantly lower at maximal intensity in and hypoxia compared with normoxia. Ventilation volume and blood lactate were significantly higher at some submaximal stages in hypoxia compared with normoxia. In contrast, power output (8 %, P < 0.05) and oxygen uptake (9 %, P < 0.05) were significantly higher at maximal intensity in and blood lactate was significantly lower in hyperoxia compared with normoxia. These results indicate that paddling in hypoxia or hyperoxia may increase physical and physiological load compared to normoxia. It could be said that more various training loads can be imposed by adding training in hypoxia and hyperoxia.
