Application of Altitude/Hypoxic Training by Elite Athletes

Randall L Wilber

doi:10.1249/mss.0b013e3180de49e6

Randall L Wilber

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e3180de49e6

Copy DOI

Abstract

At the Olympic level, differences in performance are typically less than 0.5%. This helps explain why many contemporary elite endurance athletes in summer and winter sport incorporate some form of altitude/hypoxic training within their year-round training plan, believing that it will provide the "competitive edge" to succeed at the Olympic level. The purpose of this paper is to describe the practical application of altitude/hypoxic training as used by elite athletes. Within the general framework of the paper, both anecdotal and scientific evidence will be presented relative to the efficacy of several contemporary altitude/hypoxic training models and devices currently used by Olympic-level athletes for the purpose of legally enhancing performance. These include the three primary altitude/hypoxic training models: 1) live high+train high (LH+TH), 2) live high+train low (LH+TL), and 3) live low+train high (LL+TH). The LH+TL model will be examined in detail and will include its various modifications: natural/terrestrial altitude, simulated altitude via nitrogen dilution or oxygen filtration, and hypobaric normoxia via supplemental oxygen. A somewhat opposite approach to LH+TL is the altitude/hypoxic training strategy of LL+TH, and data regarding its efficacy will be presented. Recently, several of these altitude/hypoxic training strategies and devices underwent critical review by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for the purpose of potentially banning them as illegal performance-enhancing substances/methods. This paper will conclude with an update on the most recent statement from WADA regarding the use of simulated altitude devices.

Highlights

Elite athletes have utilized altitude/hypoxic training for several years
The live low + train high (LL + TH) model of altitude training is one in which athletes live in a natural, normobaric normoxic environment, and are exposed to discrete and relatively short intervals (5-180 min) of simulated normobaric hypoxia or hypobaric hypoxia
This paper has presented both anecdotal and scientific evidence relative to the efficacy of several contemporary altitude/hypoxic training models and devices currently used by Olympic-level athletes for the purpose of legally enhancing performance

Summary

Introduction

Elite athletes have utilized altitude/hypoxic training for several years. the efficacy of altitude/hypoxic training relative to sea level performance remains controversial from a research perspective, athletes continue to use it in preparation for elite level competition. Live high + train high (LH + TH) altitude training is still used today by sea level athletes who complete altitude training camps at specific times during the training year, and by altitude residents, such as the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners. It is not the purpose of this paper to review the extensive literature relative to LH + TH; the interested reader can access that information via comprehensive review articles (Bailey & Davies, 1997; Fulco, et al, 1998, 2000; Levine, 2002; Wilber, 2004a)

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion