Predicting an Athlete’s Physiological and Haematological Response to Live High-Train High Altitude Training Using a Hypoxic Sensitivity Test

• Published in: Journal of science in sport and exercise (Online) 2022-11, Vol.4 (4), p.371-385
• Main Authors: Turner, Gareth, Spilsbury, Kate L., Green, David J., Fudge, Barry W., Pringle, Jamie S. M., Richardson, Alan J., Maxwell, Neil S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Altitude; Athletes; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Blood; Camps; Coaches & managers; Endurance; Fitness equipment; Hematology; Human Physiology; Hypoxia; Original Article; Physiology
• ISSN: 2096-6709; 2662-1371
• DOI: 10.1007/s42978-022-00167-z

Purpose Elite endurance runners frequently utilise live high-train high (LHTH) altitude training to improve endurance performance at sea level (SL). Individual variability in response to the hypoxic exposure have resulted in contradictory findings. In the present case study, changes in total haemoglobin mass (tHbmass) and physiological capacity, in response to 4-weeks of LHTH were documented. We tested if a hypoxic sensitivity test (HST) could predict altitude-induced adaptations to LHTH. Methods Fifteen elite athletes were selected to complete 4-weeks of LHTH (~ 2400 m). Athletes visited the laboratory for preliminary testing (PRE), to determine lactate threshold (LT), lactate turn point (LTP), maximal oxygen uptake VO 2max and tHbmass. During LHTH, athletes completed daily physiological measures [arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) and body mass] and subjective wellbeing questions. Testing was repeated, for those who completed the full camp, post-LHTH (POST). Additionally, athletes completed the HST prior to LHTH. Results A difference ( P