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Raberin A, Burtscher J, Citherlet T, Manferdelli G, Krumm B, Bourdillon N, Antero J, Rasica L, Malatesta D, Brocherie F, Burtscher M, Millet GP. Women at Altitude: Sex-Related Physiological Responses to Exercise in Hypoxia. Sports Med 2024; 54:271-287. [PMID: 37902936 PMCID: PMC10933174 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01954-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in physiological responses to various stressors, including exercise, have been well documented. However, the specific impact of these differences on exposure to hypoxia, both at rest and during exercise, has remained underexplored. Many studies on the physiological responses to hypoxia have either excluded women or included only a limited number without analyzing sex-related differences. To address this gap, this comprehensive review conducted an extensive literature search to examine changes in physiological functions related to oxygen transport and consumption in hypoxic conditions. The review encompasses various aspects, including ventilatory responses, cardiovascular adjustments, hematological alterations, muscle metabolism shifts, and autonomic function modifications. Furthermore, it delves into the influence of sex hormones, which evolve throughout life, encompassing considerations related to the menstrual cycle and menopause. Among these physiological functions, the ventilatory response to exercise emerges as one of the most sex-sensitive factors that may modify reactions to hypoxia. While no significant sex-based differences were observed in cardiac hemodynamic changes during hypoxia, there is evidence of greater vascular reactivity in women, particularly at rest or when combined with exercise. Consequently, a diffusive mechanism appears to be implicated in sex-related variations in responses to hypoxia. Despite well-established sex disparities in hematological parameters, both acute and chronic hematological responses to hypoxia do not seem to differ significantly between sexes. However, it is important to note that these responses are sensitive to fluctuations in sex hormones, and further investigation is needed to elucidate the impact of the menstrual cycle and menopause on physiological responses to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Raberin
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Burtscher
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tom Citherlet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Manferdelli
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bastien Krumm
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Bourdillon
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Juliana Antero
- Institut de Recherche Bio-Médicale Et d'Épidémiologie du Sport (EA 7329), French Institute of Sport, Paris, France
| | - Letizia Rasica
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Davide Malatesta
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Franck Brocherie
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), French Institute of Sport, Paris, France
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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2
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Chen B, Wu Z, Huang X, Li Z, Wu Q, Chen Z. Effect of altitude training on the aerobic capacity of athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20188. [PMID: 37809554 PMCID: PMC10559955 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose With a growing number of athletes and coaches adopting altitude training, the importance for rationalizing and optimizing such training has been emphasized. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of altitude training on athletes' aerobic capacity and to explore the best altitude training method to improve this capacity. Methods We searched Web of Science, SpringerLink, Science Direct, EBSCO, and PubMed databases combined with manual search of the references to collect studies indexed from 1979 to September 2020 on the effect of altitude training on athletes' aerobic capacity. Data from experimental studies that reported hemoglobin levels and maximum oxygen uptake in athletes before and after altitude training, or in athletes performing altitude training in comparison with a control group were analyzed. Data of the populations, intervention, comparison, outcomes and study design were extracted. Review Manager software 5.3 was used for bias evaluation. Results 17 publications were included. In our meta-analysis, altitude training led to higher maximum oxygen uptake [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-1.00, P < 0.001] and hemoglobin level (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI 0.11-0.90, P = 0.013) than training at lower altitude. The result of sensitivity analysis showed that results of meta-analysis were relatively stable, and there was no bias or change in the result of effect size according to the bias test. The results of subgroup analysis showed that high-altitude living and low-altitude training ("Hi-Lo" regime), with a training cycle of about three weeks at an altitude around 2500 m, had better effects than other regimes on the athletes' aerobic capacity. Conclusions Altitude training can improve athletes' aerobic capacity in terms of maximum oxygen uptake and hemoglobin level. Our results are limited by the number and quality of available studies. Therefore, more high-quality studies are needed to verify and extend these findings. Our study can provide scientific suggestions for the training of athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxia Chen
- School of Physical Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhusheng Wu
- School of History and Tourism, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Huang
- School of History and Tourism, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhichao Li
- Human Resources and Social Security Department, Sheyang County, Yancheng, China
| | - Qianjin Wu
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zichao Chen
- School of Physical Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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3
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Keyes LE, Sanders L. Pregnancy and Exercise in Mountain Travelers. Curr Sports Med Rep 2023; 22:78-81. [PMID: 36866950 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pregnant women are traveling to high altitude and evidence-based recommendations are needed. Yet, there are limited data regarding the safety of short-term prenatal high-altitude exposure. There are benefits to prenatal exercise and may be benefits to altitude exposure. Studies evaluating maternofetal responses to exercise at altitude found the only complication was transient fetal bradycardia, a finding of questionable significance. There are no published cases of acute mountain sickness in pregnant women, and data suggesting an increase in preterm labor are of poor quality. Current recommendations across professional societies are overly cautious and inconsistent. Non-evidence-based restrictions to altitude exposure can have negative consequences for a pregnant women's physical, social, mental, and economic health. Available data suggest that risks of prenatal travel to altitude are low. Altitude exposure is likely safe for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. We do not recommend absolute restrictions to high altitude exposure, but rather caution and close self-monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E Keyes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz, Aurora, CO
| | - Linda Sanders
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St Elizabeth's Hospital, Fort Morgan, CO
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Cao Y, Fujii N, Fujimoto T, Lai YF, Ogawa T, Hiroyama T, Enomoto Y, Nishiyasu T. CO 2-Enriched Air Inhalation Modulates the Ventilatory and Metabolic Responses of Endurance Runners During Incremental Running in Hypobaric Hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol 2022; 23:125-134. [PMID: 35613387 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2021.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cao, Yinhang, Naoto Fujii, Tomomi Fujimoto, Yin-Feng Lai, Takeshi Ogawa, Tsutomu Hiroyama, Yasushi Enomoto, and Takeshi Nishiyasu. CO2-enriched air inhalation modulates the ventilatory and metabolic responses of endurance runners during incremental running in hypobaric hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol. 23:125-134, 2022. Aim: We measured the effects of breathing CO2-enriched air on ventilatory and metabolic responses during incremental running exercise under moderately hypobairc hypoxic (HH) conditions. Materials and Methods: Ten young male endurance runners [61.4 ± 6.0 ml/(min·kg)] performed incremental running tests under three conditions: (1) normobaric normoxia (NN), (2) HH (2,500 m), and (3) HH with 5% CO2 inhalation (HH+CO2). The test under NN was always performed first, and then, the two remaining tests were completed in random and counterbalanced order. Results: End-tidal CO2 partial pressure (55 ± 3 vs. 35 ± 1 mmHg), peak ventilation (163 ± 14 vs. 152 ± 12 l/min), and peak oxygen uptake [52.3 ± 5.5 vs. 50.5 ± 4.9 ml/(min·kg)] were all higher in the HH+CO2 than HH trial (all p < 0.01), respectively. However, the duration of the incremental test did not differ between HH+CO2 and HH trials. Conclusion: These data suggest that chemoreflex activation by breathing CO2-enriched air stimulates breathing and aerobic metabolism during maximal intensity exercise without affecting exercise performance in male endurance runners under a moderately hypobaric hypoxic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhang Cao
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.,Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Naoto Fujii
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Tomomi Fujimoto
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan.,Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yin-Feng Lai
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ogawa
- Division of Art, Music, and Physical Education, Osaka Kyoiku University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Hiroyama
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Yasushi Enomoto
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nishiyasu
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
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5
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Lasshofer M, Seifert J, Wörndle AM, Stöggl T. Physiological Responses and Predictors of Performance in a Simulated Competitive Ski Mountaineering Race. JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2021; 20:250-257. [PMID: 34211317 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2021.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Competitive ski mountaineering (SKIMO) has achieved great popularity within the past years. However, knowledge about the predictors of performance and physiological response to SKIMO racing is limited. Therefore, 21 male SKIMO athletes split into two performance groups (elite: VO2max 71.2 ± 6.8 ml· min-1· kg-1 vs. sub-elite: 62.5 ± 4.7 ml· min-1· kg-1) were tested and analysed during a vertical SKIMO race simulation (523 m elevation gain) and in a laboratory SKIMO specific ramp test. In both cases, oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate and cycle characteristics were measured. During the race simulation, the elite athletes were approximately 5 min faster compared with the sub-elite (27:15 ± 1:16 min; 32:31 ± 2:13 min; p < 0.001). VO2 was higher for elite athletes during the race simulation (p = 0.046) and in the laboratory test at ventilatory threshold 2 (p = 0.005) and at maximum VO2 (p = 0.003). Laboratory maximum power output is displayed as treadmill speed and was higher for elite than sub-elite athletes (7.4 ± 0.3 km h-1; 6.6 ± 0.3 km h-1; p < 0.001). Lactate values were higher in the laboratory maximum ramp test than in the race simulation (p < 0.001). Pearson's correlation coefficient between race time and performance parameters was highest for velocity and VO2 related parameters during the laboratory test (r > 0.6). Elite athletes showed their superiority in the race simulation as well as during the maximum ramp test. While HR analysis revealed a similar strain to both cohorts in both tests, the superiority can be explainable by higher VO2 and power output. To further push the performance of SKIMO athletes, the development of named factors like power output at maximum and ventilatory threshold 2 seems crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lasshofer
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein/Rif, Austria
| | - John Seifert
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein/Rif, Austria.,Department of Health & Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Anna-Maria Wörndle
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein/Rif, Austria
| | - Thomas Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein/Rif, Austria.,Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, Salzburg, Austria
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6
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Bahenský P, Bunc V, Tlustý P, Grosicki GJ. Effect of an Eleven-Day Altitude Training Program on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance in Adolescent Runners. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56040184. [PMID: 32316168 PMCID: PMC7230399 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56040184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We evaluated the effect of an eleven-day altitude training camp on aerobic and anaerobic fitness in trained adolescent runners. Materials and Methods: Twenty adolescent (14–18 yrs) middle- and long-distance runners (11 males and 9 females; 16.7 ± 0.8 yrs), with at least two years of self-reported consistent run training, participated in this study. Eight of the subjects (4 females/4 males) constituted the control group, whereas twelve subjects (5 females/7 males) took part in a structured eleven-day altitude training camp, and training load was matched between groups. Primary variables of interest included changes in aerobic (VO2max) and anaerobic (30 s Wingate test) power. We also explored the relationships between running velocity and blood lactate levels before and after the altitude training camp. Results: Following 11 days of altitude training, desirable changes (p < 0.01) in VO2max (+13.6%), peak relative work rate (+9.6%), and running velocity at various blood lactate concentrations (+5.9%–9.6%) were observed. Meanwhile, changes in Wingate anaerobic power (+5.1%) were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Short duration altitude appears to yield meaningful improvements in aerobic but not anaerobic power in trained adolescent endurance runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Bahenský
- Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia, 371 15 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +42-038-777-3171
| | - Václav Bunc
- Physical Training and Education, Sports Motor Skills Laboratory, Faculty of Sports, Charles University, 165 52 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Pavel Tlustý
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia, 371 15 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Gregory J. Grosicki
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Georgia Southern University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA;
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7
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Lunghi A, Brocherie F, Millet GP. Influence of Altitude on Elite Biathlon Performances. High Alt Med Biol 2019; 20:312-317. [PMID: 31199701 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2019.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biathlon is a complex sport subjected to large performance variability. Among the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, wind, snow conditions) susceptible to influence performance, altitude is likely a detrimental factor for skiing (i.e., due to decreased aerobic capacity) as well as for prone and/or-to a larger extent-standing shooting (i.e., due to altered postural control and increased ventilation) performances. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyze the influence of altitude on elite biathlon performance. The analysis comprised data extracted from the International Biathlon Union (IBU) website and included IBU World Cup, IBU Cup, IBU World Championships, and Olympic Winter Games events over 8 years from season 2009-2010 to 2016-2017. The research included sprint, individual, mass start, and pursuit competitions for both men and women (no relays). The event sites were divided into three different altitude ranges: <700, 700-1400, and >1400 m. Only the Top-30 of each race were recorded for both men and women, separately, and analyzed for skiing speed, prone, and standing shooting performances. The results show a detrimental effect of altitude (i.e., ∼3.0% between <700 and >1400 m) on shooting performance that was similar for men and women but without any statistical difference between prone and standing positions. Due to many other confounding factors not analyzed here (snow quality, course profile), the effect of altitude on skiing speed was unclear. Overall, as expected, elite biathlon performances are altered, even within the range of moderate altitudes of the IBU competitions (<1800 m).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Lunghi
- ISSUL, Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Franck Brocherie
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA7370), Research Department, French Institute of Sport, Paris, France
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- ISSUL, Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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8
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Constantini K, Wilhite DP, Chapman RF. A Clinician Guide to Altitude Training for Optimal Endurance Exercise Performance at Sea Level. High Alt Med Biol 2017; 18:93-101. [PMID: 28453305 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2017.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Constantini, Keren, Daniel P. Wilhite, and Robert F. Chapman. A clinician guide to altitude training for optimal endurance exercise performance at sea level. High Alt Med Biol. 18:93-101, 2017.-For well over 50 years, endurance athletes have been utilizing altitude training in an effort to enhance performance in sea level competition. This brief review will offer the clinician a series of evidence-based best-practice guidelines on prealtitude and altitude training considerations, which can ultimately maximize performance improvement outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Constantini
- HH Morris Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Daniel P Wilhite
- HH Morris Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Robert F Chapman
- HH Morris Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana
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9
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West JB. Oxygen Conditioning: A New Technique for Improving Living and Working at High Altitude. Physiology (Bethesda) 2017; 31:216-22. [PMID: 27053735 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00057.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Large numbers of people visit, work, or reside at high altitude. The inevitable hypoxia reduces physical performance and, in many instances, impairs neuropsychological function. The new technique of oxygen conditioning raises the oxygen concentration in the air of buildings such as homes, schools, and hospitals. The result is to decrease the equivalent altitude and improve both physical and cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B West
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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10
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Brocherie F, Millet GP, Hauser A, Steiner T, Rysman J, Wehrlin JP, Girard O. "Live High-Train Low and High" Hypoxic Training Improves Team-Sport Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2016; 47:2140-9. [PMID: 25668402 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000000630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate physical performance and hematological changes in 32 elite male team-sport players after 14 d of "live high-train low" (LHTL) training in normobaric hypoxia (≥14 h·d at 2800-3000 m) combined with repeated-sprint training (six sessions of four sets of 5 × 5-s sprints with 25 s of passive recovery) either in normobaric hypoxia at 3000 m (LHTL + RSH, namely, LHTLH; n = 11) or in normoxia (LHTL + RSN, namely, LHTL; n = 12) compared with controlled "live low-train low" (LLTL; n = 9) training. METHODS Before (Pre), immediately after (Post-1), and 3 wk after (Post-2) the intervention, hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) was measured in duplicate [optimized carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing method], and vertical jump, repeated-sprint (8 × 20 m-20 s recovery), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 (YYIR2) performances were tested. RESULTS Both hypoxic groups similarly increased their Hbmass at Post-1 and Post-2 in reference to Pre (LHTLH: +4.0%, P < 0.001 and +2.7%, P < 0.01; LHTL: +3.0% and +3.0%, both P < 0.001), whereas no change occurred in LLTL. Compared with Pre, YYIR2 performance increased by ∼21% at Post-1 (P < 0.01) and by ∼45% at Post-2 (P < 0.001), with no difference between the two intervention groups (vs no change in LLTL). From Pre to Post-1, cumulated sprint time decreased in LHTLH (-3.6%, P < 0.001) and LHTL (-1.9%, P < 0.01), but not in LLTL (-0.7%), and remained significantly reduced at Post-2 (-3.5%, P < 0.001) in LHTLH only. Vertical jump performance did not change. CONCLUSIONS "Live high-train low and high" hypoxic training interspersed with repeated sprints in hypoxia for 14 d (in season) increases the Hbmass, YYIR2 performance, and repeated-sprint ability of elite field team-sport players, with benefits lasting for at least 3 wk postintervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Brocherie
- 1ISSUL, Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND; 2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND; 3Section for Elite Sport, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport, Magglingen, SWITZERLAND; 4Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, BELGIUM; and 5Athlete Health and Performance Research Center, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, QATAR
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11
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Ferretti G. Maximal oxygen consumption in healthy humans: theories and facts. Eur J Appl Physiol 2014; 114:2007-36. [PMID: 24986693 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-014-2911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the concept of maximal oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) from the perspective of multifactorial models of [Formula: see text] limitation. First, I discuss procedural aspects of [Formula: see text] measurement: the implications of ramp protocols are analysed within the theoretical work of Morton. Then I analyse the descriptive physiology of [Formula: see text], evidencing the path that led to the view of monofactorial cardiovascular or muscular [Formula: see text] limitation. Multifactorial models, generated by the theoretical work of di Prampero and Wagner around the oxygen conductance equation, represented a radical change of perspective. These models are presented in detail and criticized with respect to the ensuing experimental work. A synthesis between them is proposed, demonstrating how much these models coincide and converge on the same conclusions. Finally, I discuss the cases of hypoxia and bed rest, the former as an example of the pervasive effects of the shape of the oxygen equilibrium curve, the latter as a neat example of adaptive changes concerning the entire respiratory system. The conclusion is that the concept of cardiovascular [Formula: see text] limitation is reinforced by multifactorial models, since cardiovascular oxygen transport provides most of the [Formula: see text] limitation, at least in normoxia. However, the same models show that the role of peripheral resistances is significant and cannot be neglected. The role of peripheral factors is greater the smaller is the active muscle mass. In hypoxia, the intervention of lung resistances as limiting factors restricts the role played by cardiovascular and peripheral factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Ferretti
- Département des Neurosciences Fondamentales, Université de Genève, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland,
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12
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The efficacy of a self-paced VO2max test during motorized treadmill exercise. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2014; 10:99-105. [PMID: 24912200 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2014-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the utility of a self-paced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test (SPV) in eliciting an accurate measure of VO2max in comparison with a traditional graded exercise test (GXT) during motorized treadmill exercise. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional experimental study whereby recreationally trained men (n = 13, 25.5 ± 4.6 y) completed 2 maximal exercise tests (SPV, GXT) separated by a 72-h recovery period. METHODS The GXT was continuous and incremental, with prescribed 1-km/h increases every 2 min until the attainment of VO2max. The SPV consisted of 5 × 2-min stages of incremental exercise, which were self-selected and adjusted according to 5 prescribed RPE levels (RPE 11, 13, 15, 17, and 20). RESULTS Although no significant differences in VO2max were observed between the SPV and GXT (63.9 ± 3.3 cf 60.9 ± 4.6 mL · kg-1 · min-1, respectively, P > .05), the apparent 4.7% mean difference may be practically important. The 95% limits-of-agreement analysis was 3.03 ± 11.49 mL · kg-1 · min-1. Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, the GXT may underestimate measured VO2max as ascertained by the SPV by up to 19%. Conversely, the SPV could underestimate the GXT by 14%. CONCLUSIONS The current study has shown that the SPV is an accurate measure of VO2max during exercise on a motorized treadmill and may provide a slightly higher VO2max value than that obtained from a traditional GXT. The higher VO2max during the SPV may be important when prescribing training or monitoring athlete progression.
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13
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Chapman RF, Laymon Stickford AS, Lundby C, Levine BD. Timing of return from altitude training for optimal sea level performance. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 116:837-43. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00663.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While a number of published studies exist to guide endurance athletes with the best practices regarding implementation of altitude training, a key unanswered question concerns the proper timing of return to sea level prior to major competitions. Evidence reviewed here suggests that, altogether, the deacclimatization responses of hematological, ventilatory, and biomechanical factors with return to sea level likely interact to determine the best timing for competitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F. Chapman
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | | | - Carsten Lundby
- Center for Integrative Human Physiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Benjamin D. Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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14
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Chapman RF, Karlsen T, Resaland GK, Ge RL, Harber MP, Witkowski S, Stray-Gundersen J, Levine BD. Defining the “dose” of altitude training: how high to live for optimal sea level performance enhancement. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 116:595-603. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00634.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic living at altitudes of ∼2,500 m causes consistent hematological acclimatization in most, but not all, groups of athletes; however, responses of erythropoietin (EPO) and red cell mass to a given altitude show substantial individual variability. We hypothesized that athletes living at higher altitudes would experience greater improvements in sea level performance, secondary to greater hematological acclimatization, compared with athletes living at lower altitudes. After 4 wk of group sea level training and testing, 48 collegiate distance runners (32 men, 16 women) were randomly assigned to one of four living altitudes (1,780, 2,085, 2,454, or 2,800 m). All athletes trained together daily at a common altitude from 1,250–3,000 m following a modified live high-train low model. Subjects completed hematological, metabolic, and performance measures at sea level, before and after altitude training; EPO was assessed at various time points while at altitude. On return from altitude, 3,000-m time trial performance was significantly improved in groups living at the middle two altitudes (2,085 and 2,454 m), but not in groups living at 1,780 and 2,800 m. EPO was significantly higher in all groups at 24 and 48 h, but returned to sea level baseline after 72 h in the 1,780-m group. Erythrocyte volume was significantly higher within all groups after return from altitude and was not different between groups. These data suggest that, when completing a 4-wk altitude camp following the live high-train low model, there is a target altitude between 2,000 and 2,500 m that produces an optimal acclimatization response for sea level performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trine Karlsen
- Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir K. Resaland
- Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education, Oslo, Norway
| | - R.-L. Ge
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; and
| | - Matthew P. Harber
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sarah Witkowski
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Benjamin D. Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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15
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Aughey RJ, Buchheit M, Garvican-Lewis LA, Roach GD, Sargent C, Billaut F, Varley MC, Bourdon PC, Gore CJ. Yin and yang, or peas in a pod? Individual-sport versus team-sport athletes and altitude training. Br J Sports Med 2013; 47:1150-4. [PMID: 24255910 PMCID: PMC3841751 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The question of whether altitude training can enhance subsequent sea-level performance has been well investigated over many decades. However, research on this topic has focused on athletes from individual or endurance sports, with scant number of studies on team-sport athletes. Questions that need to be answered include whether this type of training may enhance team-sport athlete performance, when success in team-sport is often more based on technical and tactical ability rather than physical capacity per se. This review will contrast and compare athletes from two sports representative of endurance (cycling) and team-sports (soccer). Specifically, we draw on the respective competition schedules, physiological capacities, activity profiles and energetics of each sport to compare the similarities between athletes from these sports and discuss the relative merits of altitude training for these athletes. The application of conventional live-high, train-high; live-high, train-low; and intermittent hypoxic training for team-sport athletes in the context of the above will be presented. When the above points are considered, we will conclude that dependent on resources and training objectives, altitude training can be seen as an attractive proposition to enhance the physical performance of team-sport athletes without the need for an obvious increase in training load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Aughey
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin Buchheit
- Sport Science Department, Physiology Unit, ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laura A Garvican-Lewis
- Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- National Institute of Sports Studies, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Gregory D Roach
- Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charli Sargent
- Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Matthew C Varley
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pitre C Bourdon
- Sport Science Department, Physiology Unit, ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence, Doha, Qatar
| | - Christopher J Gore
- Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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16
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Sightings edited by John W. Severinghaus. High Alt Med Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2013.1423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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