Abstract
This study tested the effects of “living high-training low” (Hi–Lo) on aerobic performance and economy of work in elite athletes. Forty endurance athletes (cross-country skiers, swimmers, runners) performed 13–18 consecutive days of training at 1,200 m altitude, by sleeping at 1,200 m (LL, n = 20) or in hypoxic rooms with 5–6 nights at 2,500 m followed by 8–12 nights at 3,000–3,500 m (HL, n = 20). The athletes were evaluated before (pre-), one (post-1) and 15 days (post-15) after Hi–Lo. Economy was assessed from two sub-maximal tests, one non-specific (cycling) and one specific (running or swimming). From pre- to post-1: \(\dot{V}\hbox{O}_{2{\rm max}}\) increased both in HL (+ 7.8%, P < 0.01) and in LL (+ 3.3%, P < 0.05), peak power output (PPO) tended to increase more (P=0.06) in HL (+ 4.1%, P < 0.01) than in LL (+ 1.9%). At post-15, \(\dot{V}\hbox{O}_{2{\rm max}}\) has returned to pre-values in both groups, PPO increased more (P < 0.05) in HL (+ 8.3%, P < 0.01) than in LL (+ 3.8%), \(\dot{V}\hbox{O}_{2}\) and power at respiratory compensation point (RCP) increased more (P < 0.05) in HL (+ 9.5%, P < 0.01 and + 11.2%, P < 0.01) than in LL (+ 3.2 and + 3.3%). Cycling mechanical efficiency (8–5%) and economy during specific locomotion (7–7%) increased (P < 0.05) in both groups. This study shows that, for a similar increase in \(\dot{V}\hbox{O}_{2{\rm max}},\) HL had a greater increase in PPO than LL. The efficiency of Hi–Lo is also evidenced 15 days later by higher \(\dot{V}\hbox{O}_{2}\) and power at RCP. This study emphasizes that during the post-altitude period, economy of work greatly increases in both groups.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the International Olympic Committee and the French Ministry of Sports for their financial support, the swimming team of Brest and its coach, Thierry Boulonnois, the French Swimming Federation, the French Ski Federation and the national coaches of the French biathlon team, Pascal Etienne and Christophe Vassallo, the French Athletism Federation and the national coaches of middle distance running, Roger Milhau and Patrice Binelli.
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Schmitt, L., Millet, G., Robach, P. et al. Influence of “living high–training low” on aerobic performance and economy of work in elite athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 97, 627–636 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0228-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0228-3