Improved race performance in elite middle-distance runners after cumulative altitude exposure.
We quantified the effect of an extended live high-train low (LHTL) simulated altitude exposure followed by a series of training camps at natural moderate altitude on competitive performance in seven elite middle-distance runners (Vo2max 71.4 +/- 3.4 mL.min-1.kg-1, mean +/- SD). Runners spent 44 +/- 7 nights (mean +/- SD) at a simulated altitude of 2846 +/- 32 m, and a further 4 7- to 10-d training at natural moderate altitude (1700-2200 m) before racing. The combination of simulated LHTL and natural altitude training improved competitive performance by 1.9% (90% confidence limits, 1.3-2.5%). Middle-distance runners can confidently use a combination of simulated and natural altitude to stimulate adaptations responsible for improving performance.
Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, ACT, Australia.
Philo U
PU
Saunders
Richard D
RD
Telford
David D
DD
Pyne
Christopher J
CJ
Gore
Allan G
AG
Hahn
D000064:Acclimatization; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult