"Live High-Train High" increases hemoglobin mass in Olympic swimmers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Altitude Training Physiology
• Swimming Performance

Background:

• Endurance athletes utilize altitude training to enhance physiological adaptations.
• Live High-Train High (LHTH) is a common altitude training strategy.
• The impact of LHTH on swim-specific maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if 3-4 weeks of LHTH altitude training increases swim-specific VO2max.
• To investigate if increases in hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) mediate the effects of LHTH on swim performance.
• To compare the effects of LHTH with sea-level (SL) training on swimming performance.

Main Methods:

• Ten swimmers underwent LHTH at 2,130–3,094m for over 3 weeks.
• A control group of ten swimmers performed identical training at sea-level (SL).
• Measurements included body composition, Hbmass (carbon monoxide rebreathing), and swim-specific VO2peak before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• LHTH significantly increased Hbmass by 6.2% (P < 0.05), with no changes in the SL group.
• Swim-specific VO2peak remained unchanged in both LHTH and SL groups post-intervention.
• While 4x50m race pace improved similarly in both groups, LHTH showed a trend towards greater improvements in maximal speed and 3,000m time.

Conclusions:

• 3-4 weeks of LHTH increases Hbmass but does not improve swim-specific VO2peak.
• LHTH may offer performance advantages over SL training for certain swimming distances.
• Further research is needed to optimize LHTH protocols for swimming.