Abstract
Objective: Opinions on the suitability of sports training at altitudes of 1800-2200 m above sea level (ASL) for increasing performance in youth are not unanimous. The objective of this study was to test the influence of a ten day altitude training camp on performance in well-trained adolescent cross-country skiers. Methods: A running test of 3 × 2 km (aerobic, anaerobic and critical intensity) was used with a rest interval of 10 minutes. The test was performed 4 times - an initial test at a lowland (900 m ASL) prior to departure for altitude, two tests at altitude (1850 m ASL), a final test ten days after returning to lower altitudes. The aerobic, anaerobic and critical load intensities were set by graded a load test. For all individual tests, the participants maintained the same heart rate individually defined for the various segments using a heart rate monitor. Changes in speed between the tests were compared. The body's internal response was also monitored by the concentration of lactate (2 and 8 minutes after each exertion). Participants: Well-trained adolescent cross-country skiers (N = 11, age: 14.4 ± 1.2 years, weight: 54.4 ± 8.6 kg, height: 170 ± 7 cm, fat: 13 ± 2.6%). Results: The average times attained in the first altitude test for aerobic and anaerobic load were higher (p .05). The dynamics of the cool-down monitored via the lactate value at the eighth minute after completing the relevant segment showed that at altitude the adolescents cooled down significantly (p < .05) slower rate following the aerobic and anaerobic intensity than at low altitude. For critical intensity there was no statistically significant (p < .05) change in the kinetics of cooling down measured by lactate concentration between altitude and the low altitudes. Conclusions: In the model we were testing, the ten day altitude camp was to verify a positive effect on adolescents in acute improvement of their performance ten days after their return to low altitude. Thus it is physiologically suitable for adolescents, as with adults, to include altitude training with the objective of a subsequent rise in performance at low altitude. In accordance with the principles of a long-term approach to sports training corresponding to development, however, we believe that the use of higher altitudes is unnecessary for adolescents.
Highlights
The use of lower partial air pressure has long been one of the most frequent legal options for increasing sports performance in adult athletes, primarily for endurance sports
The average times achieved at AP and ANP intensity defined at normal altitude listed in Table 3 and 4 show that on the third day of altitude the participants achieved significantly (p < .05) higher mean times than at the initial control test at low altitude
Following the return to low altitude they achieved higher times than in first tests, but there was no significant improvement with the second altitude test
Summary
The use of lower partial air pressure has long been one of the most frequent legal options for increasing sports performance in adult athletes, primarily for endurance sports. If a permanent move to such an altitude is not possible, Levine and Stray-Gundersen (1997) and Heinicke, Heinecke, Schmidt, and Wolfarth (2005), for example, consider it optimal to repeat altitude training camps several times over the course of the annual training cycle with a minimum length of 21 days due to the course of acclimatisation This length is optimal, but due to socioeconomic reasons it is not always possible (Suchý & Dovalil, 2009). Shortened ten to twelve day training camps at altitude have been looked at by, for example, Svedenhag, Saltin, Johansson, and Kaijser (1991) and Suchý (2012), Suchý, Pernica, and Opočenský (2014), who studied the influence of such shortened stays on performance and selected physiological and biochemical indicators. These studies confirmed that even 10 to 12 day stays and training at altitude have a positive influence on the monitored indicators
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
