Hematological and performance adaptations to altitude training (2,320m) in elite middle-distance and distance swimmers.

Abstract

Elite swimmers often schedule altitude training camps ahead of major events in an attempt to maximize performance. However, the relationships between altitude-induced hematological changes, markers of training adaptation, and performance changes in such context are unclear. This study assessed hematological status, markers of daily adaptation, and swimming performance in elite middle-distance and distance swimmers during a 22-day altitude training camp at 2,320m, 2weeks prior to World Championship qualification competition. Venous blood was obtained and total hemoglobin mass (tHbmass) measured (CO rebreathing) in 7 elite swimmers (4 females, 3 males) 8days before and on day 22 of the altitude camp. Resting heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, urinary specific gravity, body mass, fatigue and self-reported sleep duration and quality were monitored daily during the altitude camp. Swimming performance was assessed through a standardized set (6 sets of 4 maximal repetitions of 100m front crawl) on days 3, 10 and 17 of the camp, and at sea level competitions (200m-1,500m) immediately after the camp, and 2weeks later. tHbmass (+5.6 ± 3.3%; range: 2.1%-11.0%; p < 0.05), red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit increased at the end of the training camp (p < 0.05). Performance at altitude improved throughout the camp (+1.4 ± 0.4%; range: 0.7%-2.5%; p < 0.05). No significant relationship was noted between hematological changes, the change in altitude performance and any of the monitored daily markers of adaptation during the camp. Compared to the swimmers' previous personal best, competition performances did not improve immediately (2.5% ± 1.9% slower times) and 2weeks after altitude (1.2% ± 1.4% slower times). The 22-day altitude training camp at 2,320m was beneficial for elite swimmers' tHbmass, hematological status and performance at altitude, but these benefits did not clearly translate into enhanced sea level performance immediately after or 2weeks later. The present study confirms the large inter-individual variability in hematological responses to altitude training, and that the improvement in performance at altitude and sea level may depend on factors other than the increase in tHbmass alone.