Athletes incorporate altitude training programs into their conventional training to improve
their performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week altitude
training program that was supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training (IHE) on the blood
biomarkers, sports performance, and safety profiles of elite athletes. In a single-blind randomized
clinical trial that followed the CONSORT recommendations, 24 male athletes were randomized to
an IHE group (HA, n = 12) or an intermittent normoxia group (NA, n = 12). The IHE consisted
of 5-min cycles of hypoxia–normoxia with an FIO2 of between 10–13% for 90 min every day for
8 weeks. Hematological (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, hematocrit, reticulated hemoglobin,
reticulocytes, and erythropoietin), immunological (leukocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes), and
renal (urea, creatinine, glomerular filtrate, and total protein) biomarkers were assessed at the baseline
(T1), day 28 (T2), and day 56 (T3). Sports performance was evaluated at T1 and T3 by measuring
quadriceps strength and using three-time trials over the distances of 60, 400, and 1000 m on an
athletics track. Statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in erythropoietin, reticulocytes, hemoglobin,
and reticulocyte hemoglobin were observed in the HA group at T3 with respect to T1 and the NA
group. In addition, statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were achieved in all performance
tests. No variations were observed in the immunological or renal biomarkers. The athletes who were
living and training at 1065 m and were supplemented with IHE produced significant improvements
in their hematological behavior and sports performance with optimal safety profiles.
