Han Meng, Liu Binglin
Department of Physical Education, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China.
Front Sports Act Living. 2025 Aug 21;7:1641379. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1641379. eCollection 2025.
Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) has emerged as a novel strategy to optimize repeated-sprint ability (RSA), aerobic capacity, and anaerobic performance in athletes. Although numerous studies have explored its efficacy compared with repeated-sprint training in normoxia (RSN), inconsistencies remain regarding overall benefits and modulating factors.
This study aimed to quantify the overall effect of RSH vs. RSN on athletic performance through a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis and to identify categorical and continuous moderators influencing intervention efficacy.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 31, 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing RSH and RSN were included. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and assessed study quality. Random-effects multilevel models were used to calculate Hedges' for overall and domain-specific outcomes (RSA, aerobic and anaerobic performance). Categorical (e.g., outcome types, intervention format, sex) and continuous moderators [e.g., inspired oxygen fraction (FiO), intervention duration, frequency, and exercise-to-rest ratio] were tested via meta-regression. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots and regression-based Egger tests.
Eighteen studies ( = 378 participants) were included, yielding 55 independent effect sizes. RSH significantly improved performance outcomes compared with RSN ( = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34-0.67, < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed stronger effects for RSA ( = 0.61) than for aerobic ( = 0.42) or anaerobic ( = 0.39) outcomes. Moderator analyses indicated that outcome type, exercise format, and FiO) significantly moderated the effect size, with lower FiO (-13%-14%) and longer training duration (weeks) associated with greater gains. No sex differences were found. Funnel plot symmetry suggested low risk of publication bias.
This meta-analysis confirms that RSH provides a moderate performance advantage over RSN, particularly for repeated-sprint ability. Specific implementation parameters such as moderate hypoxia intensity and sufficient training duration enhance efficacy. These findings offer evidence-based guidance for optimizing high-intensity interval training protocols under hypoxic conditions.
低氧环境下的重复冲刺训练（RSH）已成为一种优化运动员重复冲刺能力（RSA）、有氧能力和无氧运动表现的新策略。尽管与常氧环境下的重复冲刺训练（RSN）相比，已有大量研究探讨了其效果，但在总体益处和调节因素方面仍存在不一致之处。
本研究旨在通过系统评价和多水平荟萃分析量化RSH与RSN对运动表现的总体影响，并确定影响干预效果的分类和连续调节因素。
截至2025年1月31日，在PubMed、Embase、Web of Science和Cochrane图书馆进行了全面的文献检索。纳入比较RSH和RSN的随机对照试验。两名评审员独立筛选、提取并评估研究质量。采用随机效应多水平模型计算总体和特定领域结果（RSA、有氧和无氧运动表现）的Hedges' 。通过荟萃回归检验分类调节因素（如结果类型、干预形式、性别）和连续调节因素[如吸入氧分数（FiO）、干预持续时间、频率和运动与休息比例]。通过漏斗图和基于回归的Egger检验评估发表偏倚。
纳入18项研究（n = 378名参与者），产生55个独立效应量。与RSN相比，RSH显著改善了运动表现结果（g = 0.50，95%CI：0.34 - 0.67，P < 0.001）。亚组分析显示，RSA（g = 0.61）的效果比有氧（g = 0.42）或无氧（g = 0.39）结果更强。调节因素分析表明，结果类型、运动形式和FiO）显著调节效应量，较低的FiO（-13% - 14%）和较长的训练持续时间（周）与更大的收益相关。未发现性别差异。漏斗图对称性表明发表偏倚风险较低。
这项荟萃分析证实，与RSN相比，RSH具有适度的运动表现优势，尤其是对重复冲刺能力而言。适度的低氧强度和足够的训练持续时间等特定实施参数可提高效果。这些发现为优化低氧条件下的高强度间歇训练方案提供了循证指导。
