Author(s): Astatkie Bogale and Berhanie Asrat

Abstract:
Differences in performance are typically less than 0.5% at the Olympic level. This indicates why many contemporary elite endurance athletes in summer and winter sport incorporate some form of altitude training plan, believing that it will provide the “competitive edge” to succeed at the Olympic level. The main objective of this paper is to explain the practical application of altitude/hypoxic/ training as utilized by elite athletes. Within the general framework of the paper, both the subjective and scientific evidence will be presented relative to the usefulness of several existing altitude/hypoxic training models and devices currently used by Olympic-level athletes for the purpose of legally enhancing performance. These comprise the three primary altitude/hypoxic training models: 1) live high + train high (LH + TH), 2) live high + train low (LH + TL), and 3) live low + train high (LL + TH). The models will be examined in detail and include various modifications: natural/terrestrial altitude, simulated altitude via nitrogen dilution or oxygen filtration. Exposure to high altitude could theoretically improve an athlete’s capacity to exercise. It has also an adverse effect, for example the increase in red blood cells comes at a cost - having too many blood cells makes the blood thicker and can make blood flow sluggish. At very high altitudes (>5000m), weight loss is unavoidable because your body actually consumes your muscles in order to provide energy. Additionally, the body cannot exercise as intensely at altitude.

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