title: Timing of return from altitude training for optimal sea level performance.
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.
authors: Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana;
authors: Robert F
authors: RF
authors: Chapman
authors: Abigail S
authors: AS
authors: Laymon Stickford
authors: Carsten
authors: C
authors: Lundby
authors: Benjamin D
authors: BD
authors: Levine
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D000531:Altitude; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: endurance athletes; hematological acclimatization; live high-train low; neocytolysis; oxygen cost of breathing; ventilatory acclimatization