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Living high-training low altitude training: effects on mucosal immunity
E Tiollier1, L Schmitt, P Burnat
1Département de physiologie, IMASSA, 91223 Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France. e.tiollier@vielife.com
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|March 15, 2005
Summary
Altitude training may suppress mucosal immunity. Elite skiers undergoing Living high-training low (LHTL) showed decreased salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, indicating a negative impact of hypoxia and exercise on immune function.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Immunology
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is crucial for mucosal immunity.
- Heavy training's suppressive effect on immunity is known, but hypoxia's impact on sIgA during altitude training is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of an 18-day Living high-training low (LHTL) training camp on salivary sIgA levels in elite cross-country skiers.
- To assess the influence of simulated altitude exposure combined with training at lower altitudes on immune markers.
Main Methods:
- 11 elite cross-country skiers participated in an 18-day LHTL camp.
- Subjects lived at simulated altitudes (2,500-3,500 m) and trained at 1,200 m.
- Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-training phases and analyzed for sIgA, protein, and cortisol.
Main Results:
- A significant downward trend in salivary sIgA concentrations was observed in the LHTL group.
- sIgA levels remained lower than baseline two weeks post-intervention.
- Increased protein concentration was negatively correlated with sIgA, while cortisol levels remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Combined hypoxia and physical exercise during LHTL training negatively impact sIgA levels in elite athletes.
- A two-week recovery period was insufficient for complete sIgA restoration.
- Neural factors may mediate the observed depression in sIgA.