Effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in hypoxia on young adults & skeletal muscle
This study will involve examining muscle adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in either normal (normoxia) or low oxygen (hypoxia) levels.
The project is conducted at the Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) at Victoria University, Footscray Park Campus.
Participants will receive details of their fitness level, body composition, and a gift card (up to $300) after completing the study.
About the project
HIIT (normoxia or hypoxia)
Mitochondria are tiny structures within our cells that produce energy, particularly in muscle tissue. They play a crucial role in maintaining health and improving exercise performance.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves the formation of new mitochondrial components (mitochondrial biogenesis), as well as the function of mitochondria.
Additionally, low oxygen availability (hypoxia) induces mitochondrial changes. However, it is still unclear whether HIIT combined with hypoxia can result in greater mitochondria changes, including mitochondrial biogenesis.
The study will compare the effects of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) at normoxia (sea level) or at hypoxia (a simulated high altitude to 3200 m) on muscle mitochondrial signalling in young adults.
All participants will be asked to perform four weeks of HIIT (three times per week) at normoxia, followed by a random assignment to either HIIT at normoxia (three sessions per week) or HIIT at hypoxia (three sessions per week) conditions for additional eight weeks in total.
Participants will undergo the following assessments:
- body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan)
- muscle, blood sampling and oral glucose tolerance test before, 4 weeks after, 8 weeks after HIIT
- graded exercise tests in normoxia and hypoxia
- leg press tests
- physical activity questionnaire.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria:
- females and males aged between 18 and 40 years
- BMI less than or equal to 35 kg/m2.
Main exclusion criteria:
- body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2
- currently taking blood pressure, insulin-sensitising medications, and hormone replacement therapy
- currently taking medications
- medical contraindications to intense physical activity and painful joints.
Expressions of interest
If you are over 18 years of age and have a BMI less than 35 kg/m², and if you would like to receive more information about how your body adapts to exercise training, please register your interest below.
Contact details
PhD student: Ms Hiu (Victoria) Tung Tin – (female participants)