title: Altitude Training in Elite Swimmers for Sea Level Performance (Altitude Project).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This controlled, nonrandomized, parallel-groups trial investigated the effects on performance, V˙O2 and hemoglobin mass (tHbmass) of four preparatory in-season training interventions: living and training at moderate altitude for 3 and 4 wk (Hi-Hi3, Hi-Hi), living high and training high and low (Hi-HiLo, 4 wk), and living and training at sea level (SL) (Lo-Lo, 4 wk).
  
  
  METHODS
  From 61 elite swimmers, 54 met all inclusion criteria and completed time trials over 50- and 400-m crawl (TT50, TT400), and 100 (sprinters) or 200 m (nonsprinters) at best stroke (TT100/TT200). Maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) and HR were measured with an incremental 4 × 200 m test. Training load was estimated using cumulative training impulse method and session RPE. Initial measures (PRE) were repeated immediately (POST) and once weekly on return to SL (PostW1 to PostW4). tHbmass was measured in duplicate at PRE and once weekly during the camp with CO rebreathing. Effects were analyzed using mixed linear modeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TT100 or TT200 was worse or unchanged immediately at POST, but improved by approximately 3.5% regardless of living or training at SL or altitude after at least 1 wk of SL recovery. Hi-HiLo achieved greater improvement 2 (5.3%) and 4 wk (6.3%) after the camp. Hi-HiLo also improved more in TT400 and TT50 2 (4.2% and 5.2%, respectively) and 4 wk (4.7% and 5.5%) from return. This performance improvement was not linked linearly to changes in V˙O2max or tHbmass.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A well-implemented 3- or 4-wk training camp may impair performance immediately but clearly improves performance even in elite swimmers after a period of SL recovery. Hi-HiLo for 4 wk improves performance in swimming above and beyond altitude and SL controls through complex mechanisms involving altitude living and SL training effects.
authors: 1INEFC-Barcelona Sport Sciences Research Group, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, SPAIN; 2Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, SPAIN; 3Altitude Training Center of Sierra Nevada, Consejo Superior de Deportes, Granada, SPAIN; 4Department of Sports Medicine and Physiology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, GERMANY; and 5Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas, and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX.
authors: Ferran A
authors: FA
authors: Rodríguez
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Iglesias
authors: Belén
authors: B
authors: Feriche
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: Calderón-Soto
authors: Diego
authors: D
authors: Chaverri
authors: Nadine B
authors: NB
authors: Wachsmuth
authors: Walter
authors: W
authors: Schmidt
authors: Benjamin D
authors: BD
authors: Levine
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000531:Altitude; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006452:Hemoglobinometry; D006801:Humans; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019266:Iron, Dietary