Ergocycling-Based Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia Performed at Either 3,000 m or 2,000 m Similarly Impacts Overground Performance in Under-18 Field Hockey Players

ABSTRACT: Le Moan, D, Slawinski, J, Lecru, L, Braize, E, Brocherie, F, and Bouten, J. Ergocycling-based repeated-sprint training in hypoxia performed at either 3,000 m or 2,000 m similarly impacts overground performance in under-18 field hockey players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 levels of hypoxic stress during ergocycling-based repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) on overground repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Fifteen highly trained under-18 male field hockey players performed a 3-week training program with 6 ergocycling-based RSH sessions (3 × 6 10-s "all-out" sprints with 20-second intraset passive recovery and 5-minute interset rest; 2 sessions per week) under moderate (MH, FiO2 14.5%, simulated altitude of 3,000 m, n = 8) or low normobaric hypoxia (LH, FiO2 16.3%, 2,000 m, n = 7). Peak (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) were recorded during each RSH session. At Pre- and Postintervention, overground sprinting horizontal force-velocity profiles and RSA test (6 × 20-m "all-out" sprints interspersed by 20 seconds) were performed. Ergocycling-based PPO (p < 0.001) and MPO (p = 0.015) improved significantly for both groups from training 1 to 6. However, overground theoretical maximal force and theoretical maximal power remained unchanged (both p > 0.377), and theoretical maximal velocity (p = 0.026) was significantly decreased for both groups. Although no significant effect (time, group, interaction) was observed for overground RSA best time and sprint decrement (all p > 0.139), RSA total time decreased (p = 0.048) in both MH and LH (-1.1 ± 2.9% and -0.9 ± 1.0%), indicating performance enhancement, irrespective of the hypoxic stress. Using moderate or low normobaric hypoxic stress during a 3-week ergocycling-based RSH intervention resulted in similar improvement during training, albeit with limited, but not negligible, transferability effect in overground performance.