The Effects of the Elevation Training Mask 2.0
My project tested the effects of the Elevation Training Mask 2.0. To do this, twenty participants were selected at random from the Cross-Fit gym in Cedar City, Utah. Each participant received a series of test to establish baseline data. The tests consisted of, a body composition test, a graded maximal exercise test, a lactate threshold test, a forced ventilator volume test, and a maximal voluntary volume test. Each test was performed in a laboratory on Southern Utah University’s campus. Upon completion of the tests half of the participants were given an Elevation Training Mask 2.0 and the other half did not receive a mask.
The next phase of the research was the six week workout period in which participants followed their workout routines. Their results were compiled at the end of each week. At the end of the six weeks, the participants returned to the Southern Utah University’s laboratory for post-test evaluations. The same tests were administered as in pre-testing. The data from the pre-testing, the six-week workout period, and the post-testing were compiled and interpreted to determine the effects of the Elevation Training Mask 2.0.
My project was inspired by the claims made by the Elevation Training Mask 2.0 and the need for more information of the true effects of the mask. It is popular in especially with ergogenic aids of any kind to make claims about the product that are not true. I was unable to find any information from a peer reviewed research article about the mask. This did not mean that the claims made by the mask were false, but instead showed a lack of research from the community to produce the true results. With this in mind, I created a research project that would give the world access to reliable information about the Elevation Training Mask 2.0.
One difficulty faced in completing the project was finding participants. At first, I had hoped to perform this research with an athletic team from the university. However, they all rejected my attempts to implement my research in their training regimes. It came as a huge relief when I approached the Cross-Fit gym and was met with an eager attitude to participate. Within a week enough participants had signed up to fill the spots for the research.
Another challenge was the failure of the metabolic cart. Because of the high amount of work placed on the cart in a short amount of time, this vital system for performing almost all of the pre and post-tests began to fail. After trying almost everything we could to increase the performance of the metabolic cart we resorted to changing the test protocol. We changed the graded exercise maximal testing from the Bruce Protocol to the Arizona Protocol. The change worked! This protocol was less strenuous on the metabolic cart and we were able to continue with the research as planned.
My project directly benefited the participants of the study. The Cross-Fit members that participated in the study were able to perform tests and evaluations they did not even know were possible. This education has elevated not only their knowledge of the field of exercise science but has also increased their performance as well. This awareness has created a more positive attitude towards research and testing. It has also shown them that not all ergogenic aids are what they promise to be.
Going through this process has taught me to be patient and diligent. With the setback of the Metabolic Cart, I was able to rely on Dr. Thomas to mitigate as many factors as possible until eventually having to change the protocol. There were some times when I had to sit and wait with a line of participants as the machine recalibrated. In those moment it was difficult to see if the research would even be able to be completed. After hours of recalibrating and changing settings, we were finally able to get the cart to pull through.
"I can see the excitement in their faces. The chance to do something usually only collegiate or professional athletes have the opportunity to do is a dream come true. More people should have this opportunity." (Me, during pre-testing)
