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Yan B, Ge X, Yu J, Hu Y, Girard O. Hypoxic re-exposure retains hematological but not performance adaptations post-altitude training. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1049-1059. [PMID: 33426576 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04589-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that hypoxic re-exposure after return from natural altitude training is beneficial in retaining hematological and performance adaptations. METHODS Eighteen mixed martial art fighters completed a 3-weeks natural altitude training camp at 2418 m. Afterwards, participants were randomly assigned to a living high-training low (12 h/d at a simulated altitude of 2800 m) group (LHTL, n = 9) or a living low-training low group (LLTL, n = 9) for a 3-week sea-level training period. At baseline and after return to sea level, hematological [hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) on days 2, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 21] and performance (3000 m time trial and maximal oxygen uptake on days 4, 6, 9, 15 and 21) markers were assessed. RESULTS Mean Hbmass increased from baseline to day 2 (11.7 ± 0.9 vs. 12.4 ± 1.3 g/kg; + 6.6 ± 7.5%; P < 0.05). While Hbmass remained elevated above baseline in LHTL (P < 0.001), it returned near baseline levels from day 9 in LLTL. Irrespective of groups, mean V̇O2max was only elevated above baseline at day 2 (+ 4.5 ± 0.8%) and day 9 (+ 3.8 ± 8.0%) (both P < 0.05). Compared to baseline, 3000 m running time decreased at day 4 (- 3.1 ± 3.3%; P < 0.05) and day 15 (- 2.8 ± 2.3%; P < 0.05) only. CONCLUSIONS Despite re-exposure to hypoxia allowing a recovery of the hypoxic stimulus to retain Hbmass gains from previous altitude sojourn, there is no performance advantage of this practice above sea level residence. Our results also give support to empirical observations describing alternance of periods of optimal and attenuated performance upon return to sea level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yan
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochuan Ge
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiabei Yu
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Sports Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hu
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
| | - Olivier Girard
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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2
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Winkert K, Kamnig R, Kirsten J, Steinacker JM, Treff G. Inter- and intra-unit reliability of the COSMED K5: Implications for multicentric and longitudinal testing. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241079. [PMID: 33096546 PMCID: PMC7584194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the intra-unit (RELINTRA) and inter-unit reliability (RELINTER) of two structurally identical units of the metabolic analyser K5 (COSMED, Rome, Italy) that allows to utilize either breath-by-breath (BBB) or dynamic mixing chamber (DMC) technology. Methods Identical flow- and gas-signals were transmitted to both K5s that always operated simultaneously either in BBB- or DMC-mode. To assess RELINTRA and RELINTER, a metabolic simulator was applied to simulate four graded levels of respiration. RELINTRA and RELINTER were expressed as typical error (TE%) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). To assess also inter-unit differences via natural respiratory signals, 12 male athletes performed one incremental bike step test each in BBB- and DMC-mode. Inter-unit differences within biological testing were expressed as percentages. Results In BBB, TE% of RELINTRA ranged 0.30–0.67 vs. RELINTER 0.16–1.39 and ICC ranged 0.57–1.00 vs. 0.09–1.00. In DMC, TE% of RELINTRA ranged 0.38–0.90 vs. RELINTER 0.03–0.86 and ICC ranged 0.22–1.00 vs. 0.52–1.00. Mean inter-unit differences ranged -2.30–2.20% (Cohen’s ds (ds) 0.13–1.52) for BBB- and -0.55–0.61% (ds 0.00–0.65) for DMC-mode, respectively. Inter-unit differences for V˙O2 and RER were significant (p < 0.05) at each step. Conclusion Two structurally identical K5-units demonstrated accurate RELINTRA with TE < 2.0% and similar RELINTER during metabolic simulation. During biological testing, inter-unit differences for V˙O2 and RER in BBB-mode were higher than 2% with partially large ES in BBB. Hence, the K5 should be allocated personally wherever possible. Otherwise, e.g. in multicenter studies, a decrease in total reliability needs to be considered especially when the BBB-mode is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Winkert
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Rupert Kamnig
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kirsten
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen M. Steinacker
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Treff
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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3
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Mujika I, Sharma AP, Stellingwerff T. Contemporary Periodization of Altitude Training for Elite Endurance Athletes: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 2020; 49:1651-1669. [PMID: 31452130 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01165-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1960s there has been an escalation in the purposeful utilization of altitude to enhance endurance athletic performance. This has been mirrored by a parallel intensification in research pursuits to elucidate hypoxia-induced adaptive mechanisms and substantiate optimal altitude protocols (e.g., hypoxic dose, duration, timing, and confounding factors such as training load periodization, health status, individual response, and nutritional considerations). The majority of the research and the field-based rationale for altitude has focused on hematological outcomes, where hypoxia causes an increased erythropoietic response resulting in augmented hemoglobin mass. Hypoxia-induced non-hematological adaptations, such as mitochondrial gene expression and enhanced muscle buffering capacity may also impact athletic performance, but research in elite endurance athletes is limited. However, despite significant scientific progress in our understanding of hypobaric hypoxia (natural altitude) and normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude), elite endurance athletes and coaches still tend to be trailblazers at the coal face of cutting-edge altitude application to optimize individual performance, and they already implement novel altitude training interventions and progressive periodization and monitoring approaches. Published and field-based data strongly suggest that altitude training in elite endurance athletes should follow a long- and short-term periodized approach, integrating exercise training and recovery manipulation, performance peaking, adaptation monitoring, nutritional approaches, and the use of normobaric hypoxia in conjunction with terrestrial altitude. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of accumulated altitude training through repeated exposures, the interactions between altitude and other components of a periodized approach to elite athletic preparation, and the time course of non-hematological hypoxic adaptation and de-adaptation, and the potential differences in exercise-induced altitude adaptations between different modes of exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Basque Country, Spain. .,Exercise Science Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Avish P Sharma
- Griffith Sports Physiology and Performance, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,Triathlon Australia, Burleigh Heads, QLD, Australia
| | - Trent Stellingwerff
- Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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4
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Improved Performance in National-Level Runners With Increased Training Load at 1600 and 1800 m. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2019; 14:286-295. [PMID: 30080440 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effect of altitude training at 1600 and 1800 m on sea-level (SL) performance in national-level runners. METHODS After 3 wk of SL training, 24 runners completed a 3-wk sojourn at 1600 m (ALT1600, n = 8), 1800 m (ALT1800, n = 9), or SL (CON, n = 7), followed by up to 11 wk of SL racing. Race performance was measured at SL during the lead-in period and repeatedly postintervention. Training volume (in kilometers) and load (session rating of perceived exertion) were calculated for all sessions. Hemoglobin mass was measured via CO rebreathing. Between-groups differences were evaluated using effect sizes (Hedges g). RESULTS Performance improved in both ALT1600 (mean [SD] 1.5% [0.9%]) and ALT1800 (1.6% [1.3%]) compared with CON (0.4% [1.7%]); g = 0.83 (90% confidence limits -0.10, 1.66) and 0.81 (-0.09, 1.62), respectively. Season-best performances occurred 5 to 71 d postaltitude in ALT1600/1800. There were large increases in training load from lead-in to intervention in ALT1600 (48% [32%]) and ALT1800 (60% [31%]) compared with CON (18% [20%]); g = 1.24 (0.24, 2.08) and 1.69 (0.65, 2.55), respectively. Hemoglobin mass increased in ALT1600 and ALT1800 (∼4%) but not CON. CONCLUSIONS Larger improvements in performance after altitude training may be due to the greater overall load of training in hypoxia compared with normoxia, combined with a hypoxia-mediated increase in hemoglobin mass. A wide time frame for peak performances suggests that the optimal window to race postaltitude is individual, and factors other than altitude exposure per se may be important.
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5
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Abstract
High-level athletes are always looking at ways to maximize training adaptations for competition performance, and using altered environmental conditions to achieve this outcome has become increasingly popular by elite athletes. Furthermore, a series of potential nutrition and hydration interventions may also optimize the adaptation to altered environments. Altitude training was first used to prepare for competition at altitude, and it still is today; however, more often now, elite athletes embark on a series of altitude training camps to try to improve sea-level performance. Similarly, the use of heat acclimation/acclimatization to optimize performance in hot/humid environmental conditions is a common practice by high-level athletes and is well supported in the scientific literature. More recently, the use of heat training to improve exercise capacity in temperate environments has been investigated and appears to have positive outcomes. This consensus statement will detail the use of both heat and altitude training interventions to optimize performance capacities in elite athletes in both normal environmental conditions and extreme conditions (hot and/or high), with a focus on the importance of nutritional strategies required in these extreme environmental conditions to maximize adaptations conducive to competitive performance enhancement.
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6
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Uthoff A, Oliver J, Cronin J, Harrison C, Winwood P. A New Direction to Athletic Performance: Understanding the Acute and Longitudinal Responses to Backward Running. Sports Med 2018; 48:1083-1096. [PMID: 29498028 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-018-0877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Backward running (BR) is a form of locomotion that occurs in short bursts during many overground field and court sports. It has also traditionally been used in clinical settings as a method to rehabilitate lower body injuries. Comparisons between BR and forward running (FR) have led to the discovery that both may be generated by the same neural circuitry. Comparisons of the acute responses to FR reveal that BR is characterised by a smaller ratio of braking to propulsive forces, increased step frequency, decreased step length, increased muscle activity and reliance on isometric and concentric muscle actions. These biomechanical differences have been critical in informing recent scientific explorations which have discovered that BR can be used as a method for reducing injury and improving a variety of physical attributes deemed advantageous to sports performance. This includes improved lower body strength and power, decreased injury prevalence and improvements in change of direction performance following BR training. The current findings from research help improve our understanding of BR biomechanics and provide evidence which supports BR as a useful method to improve athlete performance. However, further acute and longitudinal research is needed to better understand the utility of BR in athletic performance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Uthoff
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Jon Oliver
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Youth Physical Development Unit, School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Campus, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK
| | - John Cronin
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Health and Medical Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Craig Harrison
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul Winwood
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Sport and Recreation, School of Applied Science, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand
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7
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Turner G, Fudge BW, Pringle JSM, Maxwell NS, Richardson AJ. Altitude training in endurance running: perceptions of elite athletes and support staff. J Sports Sci 2018; 37:163-172. [PMID: 29932816 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1488383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study sought to establish perceptions of elite endurance athletes on the role and worth of altitude training. Elite British endurance runners were surveyed to identify the altitude and hypoxic training methods utilised, along with reasons for use, and any situational, cultural and behaviour factors influencing these. Prior to the 2012 Olympics Games, 39 athletes and 20 support staff (coaches/practitioners) completed an internet-based survey to establish differences between current practices and the accepted "best-practice". Almost all of the athletes (98%) and support staff (95%) surveyed had utilised altitude and hypoxic training, or had advised it to athletes. 75% of athletes believed altitude and hypoxia to be a "very important" factor in their training regime, with 50% of support staff believing the same. Athletes and support staff were in agreement of the methods of altitude training utilised (i.e. 'hypoxic dose' and strategy), with camps lasting 3-4 weeks at 1,500-2,500 m being the most popular. Athletes and support staff are utilising altitude and hypoxic training methods in a manner agreeing with research-based suggestions. The survey identified a number of specific challenges and priorities, which could provide scope to optimise future altitude training methods for endurance performance in these elite groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Turner
- a Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME) , University of Brighton , Eastbourne , UK.,c EIS Performance Centre , Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
| | - Barry W Fudge
- b National Performance Centre , Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
| | - Jamie S M Pringle
- c EIS Performance Centre , Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
| | - Neil S Maxwell
- a Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME) , University of Brighton , Eastbourne , UK
| | - Alan J Richardson
- a Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME) , University of Brighton , Eastbourne , UK
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8
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Hamlin MJ, Olsen PD, Marshall HC, Lizamore CA, Elliot CA. Hypoxic Repeat Sprint Training Improves Rugby Player's Repeated Sprint but Not Endurance Performance. Front Physiol 2017; 8:24. [PMID: 28223938 PMCID: PMC5293814 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the performance changes in 19 well-trained male rugby players after repeat-sprint training (six sessions of four sets of 5 × 5 s sprints with 25 s and 5 min of active recovery between reps and sets, respectively) in either normobaric hypoxia (HYP; n = 9; FIO2 = 14.5%) or normobaric normoxia (NORM; n = 10; FIO2 = 20.9%). Three weeks after the intervention, 2 additional repeat-sprint training sessions in hypoxia (FIO2 = 14.5%) was investigated in both groups to gauge the efficacy of using "top-up" sessions for previously hypoxic-trained subjects and whether a small hypoxic dose would be beneficial for the previously normoxic-trained group. Repeated sprint (8 × 20 m) and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (YYIR1) performances were tested twice at baseline (Pre 1 and Pre 2) and weekly after (Post 1-3) the initial intervention (intervention 1) and again weekly after the second "top-up" intervention (Post 4-5). After each training set, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and rate of perceived exertion were recorded. Compared to baseline (mean of Pre 1 and Pre 2), both the hypoxic and normoxic groups similarly lowered fatigue over the 8 sprints 1 week after the intervention (Post 1: -1.8 ± 1.6%, -1.5 ± 1.4%, mean change ± 90% CI in HYP and NORM groups, respectively). However, from Post 2 onwards, only the hypoxic group maintained the performance improvement compared to baseline (Post 2: -2.1 ± 1.8%, Post 3: -2.3 ± 1.7%, Post 4: -1.9 ± 1.8%, and Post 5: -1.2 ± 1.7%). Compared to the normoxic group, the hypoxic group was likely to have substantially less fatigue at Post 3-5 (-2.0 ± 2.4%, -2.2 ± 2.4%, -1.6 ± 2.4% Post 3, Post 4, Post 5, respectively). YYIR1 performances improved throughout the recovery period in both groups (13-37% compared to baseline) with unclear differences found between groups. The addition of two sessions of "top-up" training after intervention 1, had little effect on either group. Repeat-sprint training in hypoxia for six sessions increases repeat sprint ability but not YYIR1 performance in well-trained rugby players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hamlin
- Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, Lincoln University Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Peter D Olsen
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health, Ara Institute of Canterbury Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Helen C Marshall
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health, Ara Institute of Canterbury Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Catherine A Lizamore
- Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, Lincoln University Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Catherine A Elliot
- Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, Lincoln University Christchurch, New Zealand
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9
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Abstract
Running economy (RE) represents a complex interplay of physiological and biomechanical factors that is typically defined as the energy demand for a given velocity of submaximal running and expressed as the submaximal oxygen uptake (VO2) at a given running velocity. This review considered a wide range of acute and chronic interventions that have been investigated with respect to improving economy by augmenting one or more components of the metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical or neuromuscular systems. Improvements in RE have traditionally been achieved through endurance training. Endurance training in runners leads to a wide range of physiological responses, and it is very likely that these characteristics of running training will influence RE. Training history and training volume have been suggested to be important factors in improving RE, while uphill and level-ground high-intensity interval training represent frequently prescribed forms of training that may elicit further enhancements in economy. More recently, research has demonstrated short-term resistance and plyometric training has resulted in enhanced RE. This improvement in RE has been hypothesized to be a result of enhanced neuromuscular characteristics. Altitude acclimatization results in both central and peripheral adaptations that improve oxygen delivery and utilization, mechanisms that potentially could improve RE. Other strategies, such as stretching should not be discounted as a training modality in order to prevent injuries; however, it appears that there is an optimal degree of flexibility and stiffness required to maximize RE. Several nutritional interventions have also received attention for their effects on reducing oxygen demand during exercise, most notably dietary nitrates and caffeine. It is clear that a range of training and passive interventions may improve RE, and researchers should concentrate their investigative efforts on more fully understanding the types and mechanisms that affect RE and the practicality and extent to which RE can be improved outside the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle R Barnes
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Level 2, AUT-Millennium Campus, 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand,
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10
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Wilber RL. Pro: Live high+train low does improve sea level performance beyond that achieved with the equivalent living and training at sea level. High Alt Med Biol 2014; 14:325-7. [PMID: 24377335 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2013.1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Randall L Wilber
- Athlete Performance Laboratory , United States Olympic Committee, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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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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14
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An attempt to quantify the placebo effect from a three-week simulated altitude training camp in elite race walkers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2011; 5:521-34. [PMID: 21266736 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.5.4.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify physiological and performance effects of hypoxic exposure, a training camp, the placebo effect, and a combination of these factors. METHODS Elite Australian and International race walkers (n = 17) were recruited, including men and women. Three groups were assigned: 1) Live High:Train Low (LHTL, n = 6) of 14 h/d at 3000 m simulated altitude; 2) Placebo (n = 6) of 14 h/d of normoxic exposure (600 m); and 3) Nocebo (n = 5) living in normoxia. All groups undertook similar training during the intervention. Physiological and performance measures included 10-min maximal treadmill distance, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), walking economy, and hemoglobin mass (Hbmass). RESULTS Blinding failed, so the Placebo group was a second control group aware of the treatment. All three groups improved treadmill performance by approx. 4%. Compared with Placebo, LHTL increased Hbmass by 8.6% (90% CI: 3.5 to 14.0%; P = .01, very likely), VO2peak by 2.7% (-2.2 to 7.9%; P = .34, possibly), but had no additional improvement in treadmill distance (-0.8%, -4.6 to 3.8%; P = .75, unlikely) or economy (-8.2%, -24.1 to 5.7%; P = .31, unlikely). Compared with Nocebo, LHTL increased Hbmass by 5.5% (2.5 to 8.7%; P = .01, very likely), VO2peak by 5.8% (2.3 to 9.4%; P = .02, very likely), but had no additional improvement in treadmill distance (0.3%, -1.9 to 2.5%; P = .75, possibly) and had a decrease in walking economy (-16.5%, -30.5 to 3.9%; P = .04, very likely). CONCLUSION Overall, 3-wk LHTL simulated altitude training for 14 h/d increased Hbmass and VO2peak, but the improvement in treadmill performance was not greater than the training camp effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philo U. Saunders
- Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia
| | - David B. Pyne
- Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia
- University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Gore
- Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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