Effects of equivalent sea-level and altitude training on VO2max and running performance.
Twelve middle-distance runners, each having recently completed a competitive track season, were divided into two groups matched for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), 2-mile run time and age. Group 1 trained for 3 wk at Davis, PB = 760 mmHg, running 19.3 km/day at 75% of sea-level (SL) VO2max, while group 2 trained an equivalent distance at the same relative intensity at the US Air Force Academy (AFA), PB = 586 mmHg. The groups then exchanged sites and followed a training program of similar intensity to the group preceding it for an additional 3 wk. Periodic near exhaustive VO2max treadmill tests and 2-mile competitive time trials were completed. Initial 2-mile times at the AFA were 7.2% slower than SL control. Both groups demonstrated improved performance in the second trial at the AFA (chi = 2.0%), but mean postaltitude performance was unchanged from SL control. VO2max at the AFA was reduced initially 17.4% from SL control, but increased 2.6% after 20 days. However, postaltitude VO2max was 2.8% below SL control. It is concluded that there is no potentiating effect of hard endurance training at 2,300-m over equivalently severe SL training on SL VO2max or 2-mile performance time in already well conditioned middle-distance runners.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000531:Altitude; D001835:Body Weight; D002140:California; D003120:Colorado; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012119:Respiration; D012420:Running; D013178:Sports Medicine; D013997:Time Factors
D007773:Lactates