Inspiratory muscle work in acute hypoxia influences locomotor muscle fatigue and exercise performance of healthy humans

Abstract

Our aim was to isolate the independent effects of 1) inspiratory muscle work (Wb) and 2) arterial hypoxemia during heavy-intensity exercise in acute hypoxia on locomotor muscle fatigue. Eight cyclists exercised to exhaustion in hypoxia [inspired O2 fraction (FiO2) = 0.15, arterial hemoglobin saturation (SaO2) = 81 ± 1%; 8.6 ± 0.5 min, 273 ± 6 W; Hypoxia-control (Ctrl)] and at the same work rate and duration in normoxia (SaO2 = 95 ± 1%; Normoxia-Ctrl). These trials were repeated, but with a 35–80% reduction in Wb achieved via proportional assist ventilation (PAV). Quadriceps twitch force was assessed via magnetic femoral nerve stimulation before and 2 min after exercise. The isolated effects of Wb in hypoxia on quadriceps fatigue, independent of reductions in SaO2, were revealed by comparing Hypoxia-Ctrl and Hypoxia-PAV at equal levels of SaO2 ( P = 0.10). Immediately after hypoxic exercise potentiated twitch force of the quadriceps (Qtw,pot) decreased by 30 ± 3% below preexercise baseline, and this reduction was attenuated by about one-third after PAV exercise (21 ± 4%; P = 0.0007). This effect of Wb on quadriceps fatigue occurred at exercise work rates during which, in normoxia, reducing Wb had no significant effect on fatigue. The isolated effects of reduced SaO2 on quadriceps fatigue, independent of changes in Wb, were revealed by comparing Hypoxia-PAV and Normoxia-PAV at equal levels of Wb. Qtw,pot decreased by 15 ± 2% below preexercise baseline after Normoxia-PAV, and this reduction was exacerbated by about one-third after Hypoxia-PAV (−22 ± 3%; P = 0.034). We conclude that both arterial hypoxemia and Wb contribute significantly to the rate of development of locomotor muscle fatigue during exercise in acute hypoxia; this occurs at work rates during which, in normoxia, Wb has no effect on peripheral fatigue.