12 Day Adventure Run Training at Altitude Improves Sea Level 5km Performance - A Pilot Study

Abstract

High-altitude (HA) training for 3-6 weeks has been an integral part of many elite endurance training programs for the past few decades. However, less is known about performance changes after only 12 days and what this might mean for sea level performance. PURPOSE: Therefore, we measured the effect of a 12-day adventure running camp at altitude on 5 km time trial (TT) performance and hypothesized an improvement would occur. METHODS: A group of 5 individuals (22-32 years old; 3 male, 2 female) volunteered. All runners began the study with at least 2-months of consistent training (e.g., 3-4 days and 10-30 mi·wk-1 of running per week). In a standardized fashion, 5km TT run, maximal volume of oxygen uptake (VO2max), running economy (RE), and a complete blood chemistry (CBC) assessment were measured at sea-level prior to and immediately after the running camp. VO2max and RE were tested simultaneously with an incremental treadmill protocol. Blood was drawn by certified phlebotomists in the antecubital vein of individual’s preferred arm in a well hydrated and rested state. Natural altitude exposure (i.e., 7,000 to 14,000 ft ASL) occurred in Colorado where runners engaged in prescribed, low-moderate intensity (e.g., approximately 50-60% heart rate max) and long duration (i.e., 2-7 hrs·day-1) exercise for 12 days. Sleeping was maintained at 7,000 ft ASL. After 12 days, runners traveled to sea-level and post-testing within 2-days of leaving altitude. Paired t-tests were utilized to describe differences between pre- and post-tests with p < 0.05 set for significance. RESULTS: In relation to select CBC parameters, significant changes occurred (p < .05) and are as follows from pre- to post-altitude, respectively: hemoglobin concentration (HC; 13.8 ± 2.2 & 15.04 ± 2.1 g/dl), red blood cell count (RBC; 4.83 ± 0.47 & 5.09 ± 0.43 x 106/ul), and hematocrit (Hct; 41.9 ± 5.6 & 44.8 ± 5.7 %). Mean 5 km TT performance also changed significantly from pre to post, respectively (21.49 ± 2.7 & 20.85 min ± 2.7). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference observed for VO2max or RE. CONCUSION: Since 5km TT performance improved, our hypothesis was supported. Because no significant change occurred with respect to VO2max and RE, positive blood changes, such as increased HC, RBC, and Hct, may have contributed to improved TT performance.