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Hypoxic ventilatory response is correlated with increased submaximal exercise ventilation after live high, train low
Nathan E Townsend1, Christopher J Gore, Allan G Hahn
1School of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia. nathan.townsend@ausport.gov.au
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|December 21, 2004
Summary
Live high, train low (LHTL) increases submaximal exercise ventilation (V(E)) in normoxia by enhancing the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). This adaptation supports improved exercise performance in athletes undergoing altitude training.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Altitude Training Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Live high, train low (LHTL) is an altitude training strategy.
- The effect of LHTL on submaximal exercise ventilation (V(E)) and its relationship with hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if LHTL increases submaximal exercise V(E) in normoxia.
- To determine if this increase in V(E) is related to an enhanced HVR.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three cyclists/triathletes were divided into LHTL continuous (LHTLc), LHTL intermittent (LHTLi), and control (CON) groups.
- Participants slept in hypoxia (2,650 m) or normoxia (600 m) for 20 nights.
- Submaximal exercise V(E) and resting HVR were measured before and during the intervention.
Main Results:
- Both LHTLc and LHTLi groups showed significant increases in submaximal exercise V(E) from baseline after 4 nights of hypoxia, which persisted.
- No changes in V(E) were observed in the CON group.
- The relationship between submaximal V(E) and HVR became significant during LHTL, indicating enhanced hypoxic chemosensitivity.
Conclusions:
- LHTL significantly increases submaximal exercise ventilation in normoxia.
- Enhanced hypoxic ventilatory response contributes to the observed increase in exercise ventilation following LHTL.
- These findings suggest LHTL may improve exercise capacity through improved respiratory regulation during normoxic conditions.