title: Erythropoietin, 2,3 DPG, oxygen transport capacity, and altitude training in adolescent Alpine skiers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rapid growth during adolescence caused by metabolic changes and their metabolic response to anaerobic and aerobic exercise differs considerably from that in adults and this is especially true in the responses to stresses, such as altitude exposure. However, there is little information on the suitability of exercise training at altitude for young athletes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six male Korean adolescent alpine skiers (13-17 yr), with a skiing career of 3-5 yr, participated in the study. All subjects were exposed to an altitude of 2700 m (8858 ft) for 5 wk and altitude exposure consisted of 6 d/wk of training (4-5 h/d), with living quarters at 2100 m (-6890 ft) (Tignes, France). The 5 wk of ski training at altitude were maintained at the same level (the same number of slalom and giant slalom skiing trials) as at sea level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant increase in oxygen transport capacity, despite decreased erythropoietin (EPO) production (-31%) after altitude training. Red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and 2,3 DPG concentrations increased significantly during altitude exposure and after return to sea level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicate that applying altitude training in adolescent skiers may improve their endurance performance. However, EPO production during altitude training needs to be evaluated in larger future studies.
authors.affiliation: Ageing and Muscle Research Center, Korean National University of Physical Education, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hee Jeong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Son
authors.forename: Hyo Jeong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jin Hae
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hideki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohno
authors.forename: Chang Keun
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate / Q000097:blood; D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000531:Altitude; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D012865:Skiing / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D004921:Erythropoietin; D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate; D010100:Oxygen