Six weeks of static apnea training does not affect Hbmass and exercise performance.

Acute apnea is known to induce decreases in oxyhemoglobin desaturation (SpO 2 ) and increases in erythropoietin concentration ([EPO]). This study examined the potential of an apnea training program to induce erythropoiesis and increase hematological parameters and exercise performance. Twenty-two male subjects were randomly divided into an apnea and control group. The apnea group performed a 6-wk apnea training program consisting of a daily series of five maximal static apneas. Before and after training, subjects visited the lab on 3 test days to perform 1 ) a ramp incremental test measuring V̇o 2peak , 2 ) CO-rebreathing for Hbmass determination and a 3-km time trial, and 3 ) an apnea test protocol with continuous finger SpO 2 registration. Venous blood samples were drawn before and 180 min after the apnea test for analysis of [EPO]. Minimal SpO 2 reached during the apnea test protocol was 91 ± 7% pre and 82 ± 7% post apnea training. The apnea test protocol did not elicit an acute increase in [EPO] ( P = 0.685) before nor after the training program. Consequently, resting [EPO] ( P = 0.170), Hbmass ( P = 0.134), V̇o 2peak ( P = 0.796), and 3-km cycling time trial performance ( P = 0.509) were not affected either. The apnea test and training protocol, consisting of five maximal static apneas, did not induce a sufficiently strong hypoxic stimulus to cause erythropoiesis and therefore did not result in an increase in resting [EPO], Hbmass, V̇o 2peak , or time trial performance. Longer and/or more intense training sessions inducing a stronger hypoxic stimulus are probably needed to obtain changes in hematological and exercise parameters. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Apnea training has been suggested as a promising method to improve exercise performance for over a decade. However, to our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate its value on both hematological parameters and exercise performance, including Hbmass and a control group. No changes in Hbmass nor exercise performance were observed. Contradicting previous research, no acute increase in [EPO] following apnea was observed either, indicating that more intense protocols are needed, at least in nonapnea-trained individuals.