Introduction: Athletes and athletic teams may use altitude training to seek benefits that are different from what they can achieve at sea level. Training at high altitude can provide benefits in multiple physiological areas. Physiological adaptations related to altitude induced hypoxia may include changes in VO2max, hemoglobin concentration, erythropoietin concentrations, metabolic stress and aerobic capacity.
Focused Clinical Question: What, if any, are the benefits of training at altitude on athletic performance?
Search Strategy and Results of Search: The databases searched included WorldCat, Google Scholar and Ovid. Key search terms included altitude training, performance, benefits and ‘Live High Train Low’. Key Evidence and Results: Training at altitude can benefit performance outcomes by improving VO2max, hemoglobin concentration and erythropoietin concentration. Improvements in these factors have the ability to increase an individual's aerobic capacity by 14%. Training in a hypoxic state increases metabolic stress which allows the body to yield greater performance adaptations than if training at sea levels.
Application/Implication: For athletic trainers it is important to note both the positive and negative effects altitude training can have on an athlete. When working with a team preparing to perform at altitude some form of hypoxic exposure should be prioritized a minimum of 7 days before performance to increase performance outcomes and decrease any adverse events due to change in oxygen saturation. Coaching staff should be working with athletic training staff on how to best implement hypoxia exposure to their athletes. Understanding of physiological adaptations and how they can improve athletic performance is imperative when it comes to successfully coaching an athlete through an altitude change. As for athletes, understanding the effects that altitude exposure has on the body is important when considering individual training plans. Athletes should be prepared to work through initial breathing difficulties as well as metabolic stress.Word Count: 301
Faculty Sponsor:
Jess Barrett
Location:
Field House
Presentation Category:
Critical Interpretation Project
Presentation Type:
Poster Presentation
Presenters:
Annalyse McBride
Session:
Posters and Multimedia - Session 1
Year:
Third Year
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