Effects of Hypoxic Exposure and Training Methods on Wingate Test Performance: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Various forms of altitude/hypoxic exposure and training have been widely implemented in athletes; however, their effects on anaerobic performance remain inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the effects of acute and chronic hypoxia, and intermittent hypoxic exposure-based training on Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) performance, considering key variables such as differences across protocols and populations. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in three online databases (i.e., PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science). The search was restricted to research articles published in peer-reviewed journals up to July 2025. Each article was read and coded for descriptive variables and WAnT outcomes (i.e., peak power output, mean power output, fatigue index and total work). The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: From the 210 studies identified, 43 studies were eligible for this systematic review. Acute protocols were conducted in 16 studies, with 7 reporting 3-8% lower WAnT performance in hypoxia than normoxia, while the remaining studies showed no difference. Chronic protocols were examined in 6 studies, with 4 reporting 2-8% decreased WAnT performance, while 2 observed no change. Seven of 21 intermittent exposure-based training studies reported 3-8% greater improvements in WAnT performance than the corresponding normoxic training. CONCLUSIONS: ~ 0.104) or performed repeatedly. A large hypoxic dose resulting from prolonged (≥30 days) chronic exposure at high altitude would decrease WAnT performance, but not after a shorter training camp at moderate altitude. Intermittent exposure-based training likely benefits WAnT performance when combined with long-duration (≥90 min) exercise but high-intensity interval training itself seems effective in improving anaerobic performance regardless of hypoxic exposure.