Effectiveness of altitude training on performance in endurance athletes.

Abstract

Saunders, Christopher Gore, David B. Pyne, and Philo U. training for endurance at altitude. In 2023, 10: 135-148 High Alt. Med. Biol. Moderate training at high altitudes (*2000 to 3000m) has gained popularity as a way to enhance competitive performances at ocean level and at mountain since the first Olympic Games in 1968, when it became evident how altitude affected endurance events. Reduced stroke volume, decreased plasma volume, increased breathing, raised heart rate, and a *15% to 20% drop in maximal aerobic power (V˙o2max) are some of the physiological reactions that can affect endurance athletes' ability to perform at altitude when modest altitude is abruptly applied to them. The rise in the red blood cell volume and, consequently, V˙o2max is one significant acclimation reaction that takes place over just a few weeks. In order to get these answers, sufficient iron reserves and elevations >*2000m for >3 weeks are needed. However, the world's top endurance athletes (*2000 to 3000m) from Ethiopia had only slightly higher hemoglobin concentrations, making it difficult to determine if having a higher number of red blood cells is more important for better sea level performance. The significant decrease in V˙o2max observed in athletes at intermediate altitude suggests that in order to prevent a decline in race-specific fitness, athlete training must be incorporate sufficient long-duration (*5 to 7min), long-intensity struggle with hard recoveries. At the top level, V˙o2max is not the only factor that affects an athlete's achievement, the "smallest acceptable improvement" that can enhance race results is as little as 0.5%. Therefore, while trying to understand the possible benefits and processes associated with altitude training, in comparison with classic methods of statistical analysis, current statistical approaches that utilize the concept of the lowest meaningful improvement are likely more appropriate.