The effects of endurance exercise in hypoxia on acid-base balance and potassium kinetics: a randomized crossover design in male endurance athletes

摘要

Abstract BackgroundExercise-induced disturbance of acid-base balance and accumulation of extracellular potassium (K+) are suggested to elicit fatigue. Exercise under hypoxic conditions may augment exercise-induced alterations of these two factors compared with exercise under normoxia. In the present study, we investigated acid-base balance and potassium kinetics in response to exercise under moderate hypoxic conditions in endurance athletes.MethodsNine trained middle-to-long distance athletes [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 57.2?±?1.0?mL/kg/min] completed two different trials on different days, consisting of exercise in moderate hypoxia [fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)?=?14.5%, H trial] and exercise in normoxia (FiO2?=?20.9%, N trial). They performed interval endurance exercise (8?×?4?min pedaling at 80% of VO2max alternated with 2-min intervals of active rest at 40% of VO2max) under hypoxic or normoxic conditions. Venous blood samples were obtained to determine blood lactate, pH, bicarbonate ion, and K+ concentrations before exercise, during exercise, and after exercise.ResultsThe blood lactate concentrations increased significantly with exercise in both trials. Exercise-induced blood lactate elevations were significantly greater in the N trial than in the H trial at all?time points ( P =?0.012). Bicarbonate ion concentrations ( P =?0.001) and blood pH ( P =?0.019) during exercise and post-exercise periods were significantly lower in the N trial than in the H trial. A significantly greater exercise-induced elevation in blood K+ concentration was produced in the N trial than in the H trial during exercise and immediately after exercise ( P =?0.03).ConclusionsHigh-intensity interval exercise on a cycle ergometer under moderate hypoxic conditions did not elicit a decrease in blood pH or elevation in K+ levels compared with an equivalent level of exercise under normoxic conditions.