“Live High–Train High” increases hemoglobin mass in Olympic swimmers

Abstract

This study tested whether 3-4weeks of classical "Live High-Train High" (LHTH) altitude training increases swim-specific VO2max through increased hemoglobin mass (Hbmass). Ten swimmers lived and trained for more than 3weeks between 2,130 and 3,094m of altitude, and a control group of ten swimmers followed the same training at sea-level (SL). Body composition was examined using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Hbmass was determined by carbon monoxide rebreathing. Swimming VO2peak was determined and swimming trials of 4×50, 200 and 3,000m were performed before and after the intervention. Hbmass (n=10) was increased (P<0.05)after altitude training by 6.2±3.9% in the LHTH group, whereas no changes were apparent in the SL group (n=10). Swimming VO2peak was similar before and after training camps in both groups (LHTH: n=7, SL: n=6). Performance of 4×50m at race pace was improved to a similar degree in both groups (LHTH: n=10, SL: n=10). Maximal speed reached in an incremental swimming step test (P=0.051), and time to complete 3,000m tended (P=0.09) to be more improved after LHTH (n=10) than SL training (n=10). In conclusion, 3-4weeks of classical LHTH is sufficient to increase Hbmass but exerts no effect on swimming-specific VO2peak. LHTH may improve performance more than SL training.