Effects of High Altitude Training Methodologies on Metabolism and Athletic Performance
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11089913Keywords:
High Altitude, Hypoxia, Acclimatization, Blood Hemoglobin, Athletic PerformanceAbstract
Coaches of individual and team sports have long been using high-altitude training to enhance their athletes' performance. Currently, various methodologies are being developed, and while the effectiveness of each methodology remains uncertain, the effects of high-altitude training on metabolism and athletic performance have not been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study is to elucidate the potential effects of high-altitude training methodologies on metabolism and athletic performance. High-altitude training has become a fundamental strategy in endurance sports, and different methods such as live high-train low (LHTL), live low-train high (LLTH), and live high-train high (LHTH) are being experimented with. Although LHTL is purportedly the most commonly used method, the most suitable methodology for enhancing performance still remains uncertain. It is noted that training at high altitudes can adversely affect performance at sea level. Therefore, for competitions at sea level, LHTL may be preferable, whereas for competitions at high altitude, LHTH or LLTH methods should be considered. While it seems appropriate for high-altitude training to be conducted at least at 2000 meters for a minimum of three weeks for adaptation, uncertainties persist regarding the optimal altitude and duration to enhance performance. The impact of high-altitude training on performance is attributed to hypoxic conditions, acclimatization, atmospheric pressure, and hyperventilation. It is shown that the increase in heart rate (HR), decrease in stroke volume (SV), increase in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and mitochondrial density occur within three weeks at high altitudes. Consequently, an increase in erythropoietin (EPO) production leads to an increase in erythrocyte volume, thereby enhancing maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In conclusion, high-altitude training may positively impact endurance performance. Additionally, a significant increase in arterial carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, blood glucose, insulin, and cortisol concentrations has been observed. Furthermore, the increase in RBC count may contribute to enhanced muscle contraction efficiency and lower lactate levels. It has been confirmed that high-altitude training does not have a negative effect on anaerobic performance and may even enhance endurance performance, although its effect on performance at sea level is debatable. Additionally, recent inquiries have suggested that elite athletes with high hemoglobin mass may not further increase their oxygen carrying capacity, thus not significantly impacting performance. For future studies, we recommend considering double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trials, as well as taking into account the altitude, duration of stay, athletes' current performance levels, and seasonal variations.
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