The Modifications of Haemoglobin, Erythropoietin Values and Running Performance While Training at Mountain vs. Hilltop vs. Seaside.

Maria Cristina Man,Dragoș Ioan Tohănean,Gabriel Dan Bărbuleț,Cătălin Ganera,Adelina Elena Panaet,Dan Iulian Alexe,Alina Ionela Cucui,Michał Krzysztofik

doi:10.3390/ijerph18189486

Abstract

Altitude training increases haemoglobin, erythropoietin values among athletes, but may have negative physiological consequences. An alternative, although less explored, that has the potential to positively influence performance while avoiding some of the negative physiological consequences of hypoxia is sand training. Ten endurance-trained athletes (age: 20.8 ± 1.4, body mass: 57.7 ± 8.2 kg, stature: 176 ± 6 cm; 5000 m 14:55.00 ± 0:30 min) performed three 21-day training camps at different locations: at a high altitude (HIGH), at the sea-level (CTRL), at the sea-level on the sand (SAND). Differences in erythropoietin (EPO) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, body weight, VO2max and maximal aerobic velocity (VMA) before and after each training cycle were compared. Data analysis has indicated that training during HIGH elicited a greater increase in VO2max (2.4 ± 0.2%; p = 0.005 and 1.0 ± 0.2%; p < 0.001) and VMA (2.4 ± 0.2%, p < 0.001 and 1.2 ± 0.2%; p = 0.001) compared with CTRL and SAND. While increases in VO2max and VMA following SAND were greater (1.3 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001 and 1.2 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001) than those observed after CTRL. Moreover, EPO increased to a greater extent following HIGH (25.3 ± 2.7%) compared with SAND (11.7 ± 1.6%, p = 0.008) and CTRL (0.1 ± 0.3%, p < 0.001) with a greater increase (p < 0.01) following SAND compared with CTRL. Furthermore, HIGH and SAND elicited a greater increase (4.9 ± 0.9%; p = 0.001 and 3.3 ± 1.1%; p = 0.035) in Hb compared with CTRL. There was no difference in Hb changes observed between HIGH and SAND (p = 1.0). Finally, athletes lost 2.1 ± 0.4% (p = 0.001) more weight following HIGH vs. CTRL, while there were no differences in weight changes between HIGH vs. SAND (p = 0.742) and SAND vs. CTRL (p = 0.719). High-altitude training and sea-level training on sand resulted in significant improvements in EPO, Hb, VMA, and VO2max that exceeded changes in such parameters following traditional sea-level training. While high-altitude training elicited greater relative increases in EPO, VMA, and VO2max, sand training resulted in comparable increases in Hb and may prevent hypoxia-induced weight loss.

Highlights

High-altitude training has long been considered to improve the performance of endurance athletes [1]
While high-altitude training elicited greater relative increases in EPO, VMA, and VO2max, sand training resulted in comparable increases in Hb and may prevent hypoxia-induced weight loss
The main conclusions of this study confirmed our initial hypothesis and suggest that the physiological modifications triggered by 21-days of either high-altitude training or training on the sand at sea level are greater than those attained by traditional sea-level training methods

Summary

Introduction

High-altitude training has long been considered to improve the performance of endurance athletes [1]. Evidence suggests that the unique training adaptations for sand may have a positive influence on endurance performance [8,9]. The high shock absorption capacity of sand may decrease the impact forces experienced during high-intensity activities, which may lead to a reduction in muscle lesions and pain and improve recovery time between sessions [10,11]. Considering these differences, recent evidence supports the use of sand as a training means to improve the performance of team sports athletes [12]. Sand has the potential of providing a unique training stimulus for athletes and a viable option for recovery sessions

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Discussion

Conclusion