Endurance, aerobic high-intensity, and repeated sprint cycling performance is unaffected by normobaric "Live High-Train Low": a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study.
The aim was to investigate whether 6 weeks of normobaric "Live High-Train Low" (LHTL) using altitude tents affect highly trained athletes incremental peak power, 26-km time-trial cycling performance, 3-min all-out performance, and 30-s repeated sprint ability. In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over design, seven highly trained triathletes were exposed to 6 weeks of normobaric hypoxia (LHTL) and normoxia (placebo) for 8 h/day. LHTL exposure consisted of 2 weeks at 2500 m, 2 weeks at 3000 m, and 2 weeks at 3500 m. Power output during an incremental test, ~26-km time trial, 3-min all-out exercise, and 8 × 30 s of all-out sprint was evaluated before and after the intervention. Following at least 8 weeks of wash-out, the subjects crossed over and repeated the procedure. Incremental peak power output was similar after both interventions [LHTL: 375 ± 74 vs. 369 ± 70 W (pre-vs-post), placebo: 385 ± 60 vs. 364 ± 79 W (pre-vs-post)]. Likewise, mean power output was similar between treatments as well as before and after each intervention for time trial [LHTL: 257 ± 49 vs. 254 ± 54 W (pre-vs-post), placebo: 267 ± 57 vs. 267 ± 52 W (pre-vs-post)], and 3-min all-out [LHTL: 366 ± 68 vs. 369 ± 72 W (pre-vs-post), placebo: 365 ± 66 vs. 355 ± 71 W (pre-vs-post)]. Furthermore, peak- and mean power output during repeated sprint exercise was similar between groups at all time points (n = 5). In conclusion, 6 weeks of normobaric LHTL using altitude tents simulating altitudes of 2500-3500 m conducted in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over design do not affect power output during an incremental test, a ~26-km time-trial test, or 3-min all-out exercise in highly trained triathletes. Furthermore, 30 s of repeated sprint ability was unaltered.
Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jacob
J
Bejder
Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Andreas Breenfeldt
AB
Andersen
Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rie
R
Buchardt
Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Tanja Hultengren
TH
Larsson
Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.|Department of Neuroanesteshia, The Neuroscience Center, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark.
Niels Vidiendal
NV
Olsen
Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. nbn@nexs.ku.dk.
Nikolai Baastrup
NB
Nordsborg
D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance
Altitude exposure; Endurance; High-intensity; Repeated sprint