Abstract
To quantify, for an elite-level racewalker, altitude training, heat acclimation and acclimatization, physiological data, and race performance from January 2007 to August 2008. The participant performed 7 blocks of altitude training: 2 "live high:train high" blocks at 1380m (total = 22d) and 5 simulated "live high:train low" blocks at 3000m/600m (total = 98d). Prior to the 2007 World Championships and the 2008 Olympic Games, 2 heat-acclimation blocks of ~6 weeks were performed (1 session/week), with ∼2 weeks of heat acclimatization completed immediately prior to each 20-km event. During the observation period, physiological testing included maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max, mL·kg-1·min-1), walking speed (km·h-1) at 4mmol·L-1 blood lactate concentration [La-], body mass (kg), and hemoglobin mass (g), and 12 × 20-km races and 2 × 50-km races were performed. The highest VO2max was 67.0mL·kg-1·min-1 (August 2007), which improved 3.1% from the first measurement (64.9mL·kg-1·min-1, June 2007). The highest percentage change in any physiological variable was 7.1%, for 4mmol·L-1 [La-] walking speed, improving from 14.1 (June 2007) to 15.1km·h-1 (August 2007). Personal-best times for 20km improved from (hh:mm:ss) 1:21:36 to 1:19:41 (2.4%) and from 3:55:08 to 3:39:27 (7.1%) in the 50-km event. The participant won Olympic bronze and silver medals in the 20- and 50-km, respectively. Elite racewalkers who regularly perform altitude training may benefit from periodized heat acclimation and acclimatization prior to major international competitions in the heat.
Highlights
4 mmol·L−1 [La−] walking speed, improving from 14.1 (June 2007) to 15.1 km·h−1 (August 2007)
Elite racewalkers who regularly perform altitude training may benefit from periodized heat acclimation and acclimatization prior to major international competitions in the heat
According to the classical or live high:train high (LHTH) altitude-training model, athletes travel to venues of increased elevation to live and train for 2 to 4 weeks, in preparation for competitions held at either altitude or sea level.[2]
Summary
4 mmol·L−1 [La−] walking speed, improving from 14.1 (June 2007) to 15.1 km·h−1 (August 2007). Conclusions: Elite racewalkers who regularly perform altitude training may benefit from periodized heat acclimation and acclimatization prior to major international competitions in the heat. Altitude training is a key component of their preparation for major competitions.[1] According to the classical or live high:train high (LHTH) altitude-training model, athletes travel to venues of increased elevation to live and train for 2 to 4 weeks, in preparation for competitions held at either altitude or sea level.[2] Live high:train low (LHTL) has been used extensively, either by traveling to lower elevations to train[3] or by utilizing simulated altitude environments (altitude houses or tents) and training at sea level.[1] The effects of altitude training on elite athletes’ performance, during major competitions, have not been conclusively determined,[4,5] but based on the existing literature, potential benefits include improved hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max),[6] submaximal exercise economy,[7] and performance.[2]. The aim of this case study was to investigate, over a 20-month period, the following in an elite racewalker: (1) training data, altitude training interventions, and heat acclimation/acclimatization prior to competing in hot climates; (2) associated physiological data; and (3) 20- and 50-km race performance
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