What’s the Impact of High-Altitude Training on Aerobic Sports Performance?

If you’re athletes or sports enthusiasts, you’ve probably heard of high-altitude training. This method forces the body to adapt to low oxygen levels, similar to the conditions at high altitudes. As your body learns to use oxygen more efficiently, you may find that your performance at sea level improves significantly. But is this really how it works? We’re going to dig deeper into the subject and explore the impact of altitude training on aerobic sports performance.

Understanding Altitude Training

Altitude training is a method used by athletes to increase their performance. The idea is to train high but compete low. As they exercise at altitudes, their bodies adapt to the low oxygen levels, and this adaptation supposedly improves their performance when they return to sea level.

When you’re at high altitudes, the air is ‘thinner’, meaning it has less oxygen. This triggers hypoxia in your body, a state of low oxygen in the blood. Your body then responds by producing more red blood cells to carry oxygen to your muscles. This, in theory, should improve your aerobic performance.

The concept of altitude training is not new. It was first introduced back in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, which sits at an elevation of 2,240 meters. Since then, it has been a popular practice among athletes, especially endurance ones, looking for a competitive edge.

The Science Behind Altitude Training

Numerous studies have been conducted to understand the science behind altitude training and its effects. A study by Google Scholar (doi) has shown that altitude training can lead to an increase in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit. These are all factors that improve oxygen-carrying capacity, hence potentially enhancing aerobic performance.

However, the body’s response to hypoxia can vary greatly from one individual to another. Moreover, the level of elevation and the duration of exposure to altitude also play a significant role in the overall effect of the training.

Some studies have also pointed out potential drawbacks of altitude training. It could lead to decreased training intensity due to the lower oxygen availability, which could potentially offset the benefits of the increased red blood cell count.

Real-World Benefits of Altitude Training

Despite the mixed scientific evidence, altitude training continues to be a popular practice among athletes. The real-world benefits reported by athletes are compelling, even if they can’t be fully explained by science.

Many athletes report feeling stronger and more energetic after returning to sea level. They are able to maintain a higher intensity of exercise for a longer period. They also recover faster after bouts of high-intensity exercise.

While these benefits are anecdotal, they indicate that altitude training could have psychological benefits in addition to physiological ones. The belief that the training has improved their performance could give athletes a mental edge over their competitors.

Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Altitude Training

There are various factors that determine the effectiveness of altitude training. Firstly, the elevation level is a major determinant. Training at an elevation of 2,000 to 3,000 meters is often recommended. At this height, the body is able to respond to the decreased oxygen availability without too many adverse effects.

The duration of the training is another important factor. It takes a few weeks for the body to make the necessary adjustments to handle low oxygen levels. Therefore, athletes should aim to train at high altitudes for at least three to four weeks.

The type of sport and the athlete’s individual characteristics also influence the effectiveness of altitude training. For example, endurance athletes may benefit more from altitude training than power or strength athletes.

Altitude Training: A Magic Bullet?

So, is altitude training the magic bullet for improving sports performance? The answer is not straightforward. While it may work for some athletes, it may not for others. There are many variables involved, and the body’s response to high altitudes is highly individual.

Science has yet to fully explain why altitude training works for some but not for others. More research is needed to understand this complex training method. In the meantime, if you’re an athlete considering altitude training, it’s best to do so under the guidance of a professional.

Optimal Altitude Training Methods

The method of altitude training employed also significantly influences its effectiveness. According to Google Scholar, the "Live High, Train Low" (LHTL) method is the most beneficial approach for endurance athletes. This involves living at high altitudes and training at sea level, allowing athletes to reap the benefits of high altitude living, such as increased red blood cell count, while maintaining the intensity of their training.

In a meta-analysis published by Pubmed, it was found that the LHTL method led to a significant improvement in sea-level endurance performance in highly trained athletes. This was attributed to an improved oxygen-carrying capacity due to an increase in red blood cell mass.

Another method is the "Live High, Train High" (LHTH) approach, where both living and training are conducted at high altitudes. However, this method has been shown to possibly compromise training intensity and quality due to the decreased partial pressure of oxygen.

A third method is the "Intermittent Hypoxic Training" (IHT) where athletes live at sea level but undergo short training sessions under hypoxic conditions. This can be done using a hypoxia-inducing mask or training in altitude chambers. Yet, according to a study by Stray Gundersen published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, IHT does not appear to enhance sea-level performance compared to similar training at sea level.

Conclusion: Weighing The Pros And Cons

High-altitude training has been a subject of interest for athletes and researchers alike. Its touted benefits include increased red blood cell count, improved oxygen usage, and potentially enhanced aerobic capacity. Athletes have reported feeling stronger, more energetic, and having faster recovery times after training at high altitudes, adding to its allure.

However, it’s vital to remember that the body’s response to high-altitude training is highly individual. What works for one athlete may not work for another, and the potential benefits must be weighed against possible downsides, such as reduced training intensity.

The type of sport, the athlete’s individual characteristics, the method of altitude training, the duration, and the level of altitude all play crucial roles in determining the effectiveness of this training method. Hence, if you’re considering incorporating altitude training into your routine, it’s advisable to do so under professional guidance and with a full understanding of how it might affect your performance.

The current body of research on altitude training, while extensive, is not yet conclusive. More studies are needed to fully understand the impact of high-altitude training on aerobic sports performance. In the meantime, athletes should approach altitude training as one of the many tools available to them, rather than a magic bullet for performance enhancement.