title: No Change in Running Mechanics With Live High-Train Low Altitude Training in Elite Distance Runners.
abstract: Investigations into ventilatory, metabolic, and hematological changes with altitude training have been completed; however, there is a lack of research exploring potential gait-kinematic changes after altitude training, despite a common complaint of athletes being a lack of leg "turnover" on return from altitude training.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine if select kinematic variables changed in a group of elite distance runners after 4 wk of altitude training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six elite male distance runners completed a 28-d altitude-training intervention in Flagstaff, AZ (2150 m), following a modified "live high-train low" model, wherein higherintensity runs were performed at lower altitudes (945-1150 m) and low-intensity sessions were completed at higher altitudes (1950-2850 m). Gait parameters were measured 2-9 d before departure to altitude and 1 to 2 d after returning to sea level at running speeds of 300-360 m/min.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No differences were found in ground-contact time, swing time, or stride length or frequency after altitude training (P > .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Running mechanics are not affected by chronic altitude training in elite distance runners. The data suggest that either chronic training at altitude truly has no effect on running mechanics or completing the live high-train low model of altitude training, where higher-velocity workouts are completed at lower elevations, mitigates any negative mechanical adaptations that may be associated with chronic training at slower speeds.
authors.forename: Abigail S L
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Stickford
authors.forename: Daniel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Wilhite
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Chapman
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: endurance athletes; gait; ground contact time; hypoxia; stride frequency; stride length