Date of Award

5-2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Health and Human Performance

Program

Exercise Science (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Scott Drum

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine if high intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) combined with normobaric hypoxia had a multiplicative effect on body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and resting energy expenditure (REE) in overweight and obese sedentary adults. Twelve participates were recruited for the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either a hypoxic training (HT) group equivalent to 3,048 m (FIO2 = 14.5%) or a normoxic training (NT) group equivalent to 0 m (FIO2 = 20.9%) three times a week for six weeks in a normobaric hypoxic chamber. HIIE consisted of four .5 minute cycle ergometer sprints separated by 4.5 min light pedaling. Every two weeks another .5 minute sprint was added to a total of six by the final two weeks. Body composition was estimated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan), while VO2max and REE were estimated via VO2 assessment and indirect calorimetry. All variables were statistically analyzed pre and post training across and between groups using repeated measures ANOVA. Significant improvements were seen in REE (P P P > .05) difference between groups, although mean values improved more in HT. A significant (P 2max was seen between groups. Because HT showed significant improvement in VO2max hypoxic HIIE might be a unique strategy for improving the aerobic capacity of overweight and obese sedentary adults.

Access Type

Open Access

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