Live high-train low associated with increased haemoglobin mass as preparation for the 2003 World Championships in two native European world class runners

Wehrlin, Jon Peter; Marti, Bernard (2006). Live high-train low associated with increased haemoglobin mass as preparation for the 2003 World Championships in two native European world class runners British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(2), e3; discussion e3. BMJ Group 10.1136/bjsm.2005.019729

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Background: It is unclear whether world class endurance athletes, in contrast with less well trained subjects, increase their haemoglobin mass on a regimen of living high and training low (LHTL). Objective: To assess whether haemoglobin mass increases in world class athletes on LHTL and whether this increase is associated with peak performance at a subsequent important competition. Methods: Two Swiss world class runners (one 5000 m and one marathon) lived for 26 days (18 hours a day) at an altitude of 2456 m and trained at 1800 m. This LHTL camp was the preparation for the World Athletic Championships taking place 27–29 days after the end of the camp. Haemoglobin mass and other haematological variables were measured before and after the LHTL camp. The performance parameter was the race times during that period. Results: Haemoglobin mass increased by 3.9% and 7.6%, and erythrocyte volume by 5.8% and 6.3%. The race times, as well as the ranking at the World Championships, indicated clearly improved performance after the LHTL camp. Conclusions: The results suggest that LHTL with an adequate dose of hypoxia can increase haemoglobin mass even in world class athletes, which may translate into improved performance at important competitions at sea level.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	Swiss Federal Institute of Sports Magglingen SFISM > EHSM - Leistungssport > Sportphysiologie Ausdauer
Name:	Wehrlin, Jon Peter and Marti, Bernard
ISSN:	0306-3674 (Print) 1473-0480 (Online)
Publisher:	BMJ Group
Language:	English
Submitter:	Service Account
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2021 11:16
Last Modified:	22 Sep 2021 02:17
Publisher DOI:	10.1136/bjsm.2005.019729
Related URLs:	Publication
PubMed ID:	16431990
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Live high-train low Adaptation physiological physiology Adult Altitude Blood volume physiology Erythrocyte volume physiology Hemoglobins physiology Humans Male Oxygen consumption physiology Physical education and training methods Physical endurance physiology Running physiology Switzerland
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.10984
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/10984