Increasing the Anaerobic Capacity Resulting from the Improvement of Buffering and Hypoxia Indicators in Healthy Men

Background: Increasing anaerobic capacity is a crucial factor in enhancing performance in strength sports. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of 10 weeks of weightlifting training with increased respiratory dead space on buffering capacity and anaerobic capacity in healthy men. Methods: Eighteen male weightlifters (mean age: 28.2 ± 3.02 years, BMI: 24.27 ± 1.34 kg/m²) were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two training groups: With and without masks. Both groups performed selected weightlifting exercises three times per week for 10 weeks at 80% of their one-repetition maximum. The mask group trained using a mask and tube to increase respiratory dead space throughout the training period. The Borg scale was used to measure perceived effort, and the Wingate test assessed anaerobic power and Fatigue Index (FI). Blood samples were taken to measure lactate, CO₂, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) levels. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA with repeated measures (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Ten weeks of weightlifting training with a mask led to a significant increase in bicarbonate levels (P = 0.029), lactate (P ≤ 0.001), FI (P ≤ 0.001), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (P = 0.041) compared to the group without a mask. There was no significant difference between the groups in HIF-1α levels (P = 0.079) or anaerobic power (P = 0.534). However, the percentage changes were greater in the mask group (anaerobic power = 5.9%, HIF-1α = 1.97%) compared to the group without a mask (anaerobic power = -0.9%, HIF-1α = 1.07%). Conclusions: Using the strategy of increasing respiratory dead space during weightlifting training has proven beneficial for enhancing buffering capacity and anaerobic power.