Simulated Altitude Training: Does it improve performance?

Saturday, February 19 2005 @ 08:26 PM GMT

Below is an email posted on the NZ Cycling website as far back as 2001. Thought that it might be interesting reading for those of you who have signed up (and those contemplating signing up) for the altitude training sessions.

Date Mon 6th Aug 2001
eMail barry.yates@xtra.co.nz

Altitude training and its benefits have long been known. Since the 1968 Mexico Olympic games, the debate on whether altitude training produces benefits to athletes remains a topic which still manages to divide opinions amongst athletes, coaches and trainers. With the introduction of simulated altitude training, the equation becomes even more confusing...

Interval hypoxic training, a form of simulated altitude training, has opened opportunities to athletes seeking altitude training while remaining at sea level and, in fact, not even travelling away from their training site. It has the advantage of being able to complete the required sports specific training and still fit in altitude training.

Oxygym has been working with athletes from a variety of sports codes, including Cycling, and achieving excellent results to complement the individual's programme. Kirsty Robb, a road cyclist, completed the programme in February 2001. She had a hectic schedule, but on consultation had the altitude training scheduled into her programme.

The results, as Kirsty put it: "My form has continued to improve and I am now certain the Oxygym training has had a big part to play in this. I think, at the moment, I have the best form I've ever had." Kirsty was involved in a 15-day programme of interval hypoxic training, which included pre and post testing to measure the results obtained from the programme. Blood tests showed a rise in haemoglobin content, from 128 g/l to 138 g/l. with the red blood cells (erythrocytes) increasing over the 15 day programme from 0.39 l/l to 0.42 l/l, aiding in the transport of oxygen. Blood pressure dropped from 113/85 to 98/65. Recovery was the biggest benefit to Kirsty, which has shown in her performance since completing the Oxygym programme performing a PB in the Australian Tour de Snowy and then making the podium on numerous occasions in Europe against tough competition.

Comparing these results with other cyclists, mountain bikers and multisport athletes who have been through the programme, recovery is one of the biggest benefits which has been tested, measured and repeatedly produced positive results.

Athletes are continuing to give positive comments on their performance and I have continued to measure improvements in a range of parameters from VO2, Lactate testing and recovery with research continuing at the moment. There still remains work to be done in this field but with over 350 athletes having used the Oxygym controlled hypoxic programme and success with most of these the future for performing altitude training looks exciting. A recent article I read on altitude training By Dr Telford from the AIS sums up my feelings as a scientist, I believe that ongoing work is still required, as a coach I am unprepared to wait for the definitive work. There have been too many success stories of athletes training at altitude to procrastinate. Assuming sensible programming, there is nothing to lose and probably something to gain.

Overall, there are benefits to gain from this form of training, but only if the athlete adheres to the programme. Having worked with a range of athletes, from elite to recreational, I have measured and seen the benefits. The controversy lies in the fact, I believe, that some original research from eastern block countries made claims unable to be validated with differing protocols being adhered to. Currently, work is in progress at Oxygym in Takapuna to increase knowledge in this field. Having worked with the programme for over 15 months, I agree with the comments from Dr Telford.

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