Abstract

Verf. erläutert zunächst das Prinzip der intermittierenden Hypoxie. Dann werden die physiologischen Reaktionen der Zelle, der Atmung, des Herzkreislaufes, des Stoffwechsels sowie der motorischen Leistungsfähigkeit dargestellt. Abschließend werden verschiedene IH-Protokolle und entsprechende Anpassungserscheinungen aufgezeigt. -bo-

Abstract

Whereas intermittent hypoxia (IH) in obstructive sleep apnea is generally associated with adverse effects, some well defined protocols of IH have been used beneficially in sports and training. Hypoxic exposures at rest, corresponding to an altitude between 2000 and 2700 m, for at least 14 hours per day for 3 weeks or longer (live high – train low) are capable to increase total haemoglobin mass and oxygen transport capacity in elite athletes. Hypoxic exposures at rest (3000 m and higher) for 1-4 hours per day for 1-5 weeks have been shown to pre-acclimatize high-altitude climbers effectively and to improve running economy in runners. Repeated short-term (~ 5 min) hypoxia at rest (4-5000 m) with normoxic intervals, for about 1 hour per day for 3 weeks, improved exercise tolerance in patients with coronary artery disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exercise training in hypoxia (daily 2 hours at ~ 2500 m for 10 days) improved especially anaerobic exercise capacity. In conclusion, specific types of IH have the potential to complement traditional programs of exercise training. Verf.-Referat