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Timing the arrival at 2340 m altitude for aerobic performance.
B Schuler1, J J Thomsen, M Gassmann
1Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|February 24, 2007
Summary
Altitude acclimatization improves maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and endurance performance in elite cyclists. Athletes need at least 14 days at moderate altitude (2340m) for optimal adaptation before competition.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Altitude Training
Background:
- Moderate altitude exposure (2340m) is common for endurance athletes.
- The physiological adaptations and performance changes during acclimatization are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acclimatization to moderate altitude on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and exercise performance in elite cyclists.
- To determine the optimal duration of altitude exposure for performance enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Eight elite cyclists were studied at sea level and after 1, 7, 14, and 21 days at 2340m.
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and time to exhaustion were measured.
- Hemoglobin concentration and arterial oxygen content were analyzed from capillary blood samples.
Main Results:
- VO2max and time to exhaustion initially decreased by 12.8% and 25.8% on Day 1 at altitude.
- These parameters significantly improved between Day 1 and Day 14, with VO2max increasing by 8.2% and time to exhaustion by 12.1%.
- Adaptations plateaued between Day 14 and Day 21.
Conclusions:
- Initial exposure to moderate altitude impairs VO2max and performance.
- Endurance athletes require at least 14 days of acclimatization at 2340m to achieve performance benefits.
- Optimal acclimatization duration for moderate altitude competition is recommended to be at least 14 days prior to the event.
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