Altitude Tents Do Not Impair Performance Response To Short-term High-intensity Cycling Training

Abstract

Sleep quality may be compromised at moderate altitude. It is therefore possible that use of altitude tents during periods of rigorous training may impair recovery and adaptation. Conversely, sleeping in an enriched oxygen environment may aid recovery and adaptation during successive days of intense training. PURPOSE To examine whether sleeping at simulated altitude during seven days of race-specific high-intensity cycling training interferes with cycling performance. METHODS: Seven regionally competitive male cyclists (19±1 yr; 72.4±11.7 kg; 4.73±0.66 L·min−1 VO2pk) completed seven days of high-intensity interval training at ∼600m while sleeping each night in an altitude tent with an F1O2 of either ∼30.5% (SL) or ∼16.5% (ALT). There were two training sessions daily, each 90min in duration composed of 66 maximal efforts of 5–15 seconds with competition specific work:relief ratios (1:1, 1:3, 1:6). We used a double blind, repeated measures crossover design with a 2-wk washout period between treatments. A maximal graded exercise test (GXT = 100W; inc. 50W every 5min) was completed before and 2D after each training block. A dietician ensured that daily carbohydrate intake during the seven days of interval training was > 8g.kg−1.d−1. RESULTS Peak power during the GXT (Mean±SD) was lower (377±42 to 358±42 W, p = .17) following SL and unchanged (367±42 to 376±39 W, p = .41) following ALT. Peak power during the GXT after interval training was higher following ALT than following SL (19 W, 46 to −9W; 90%CL). Interval training did not result in any substantial changes in VO2pk, Lactatepk, or HRpk for either the ALT or SL trials. CONCLUSION Sleeping at altitude during a week of high-intensity cycling training is unlikely to impair, and may in fact improve cycling GXT performance. Future research is required to establish whether sleeping at higher altitudes or for longer durations interferes with performance adaptations to rigorous training. Supported by an Australian Sports Commission Grant