AUTHOR=Cerda-Kohler Hugo , Haichelis Danni , Reuquén Patricia , Miarka Bianca , Homer Mark , Zapata-Gómez Daniel , Aedo-Muñoz Esteban 

TITLE=Training at moderate altitude improves submaximal but not maximal performance-related parameters in elite rowers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.931325

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2022.931325

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p>Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O<sub>2max</sub>), physiological thresholds, and hemoglobin mass are strong predictors of endurance performance. High values of V̇O<sub>2max</sub>, maximal aerobic power (MAP), and power output at anaerobic thresholds are key variables in elite rowers. Endurance athletes often use altitude training as a strategy to improve performance. However, no clear evidence exists that training at natural altitude enhances sea-level performance in elite rowers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of altitude training on rowing-performance parameters at sea level. The study was conducted on eleven rowers (Six females, five males) from the Chilean National Team during a 3-week moderate altitude training (∼2,900 m. a.s.l.) under the live high-train high (LHTH) model. It included a rowing ergometer maximal incremental test and blood analysis (pre and post-altitude). Gas exchange analysis was performed to measure V̇O<sub>2max</sub>, ventilatory thresholds (VTs) and rowing economy/efficiency (ECR/GE%). LHTL training improves performance-related variables at sea level (V̇E<sub>max</sub>: 3.3% (95% CI, 1.2–5.5); hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]): 4.3% (95% CI, 1.7–6.9); hematocrit (%): 4.5% (95% CI, 0.9–8.2); RBC (red blood cells) count: 5.3% (95% CI, 2.3–8.2); power at VT2: 6.9% (95% CI, 1.7–12.1), V̇E<sub>VT2</sub>: 6.4% (95% CI, 0.4–12.4); power at VT1: 7.3% (95% CI, 1.3–13.3), V̇E<sub>VT1</sub>: 8.7% (95% CI, 1.6–15.8)) and economy/efficiency-related variables (ECR<sub>VT2</sub>: 5.3% (95% CI, −0.6 to −10.0); GE(%): 5.8% (95% CI, 0.8–10.7)). The LHTH training decreased breathing economy at MAP (−2.8% (95% CI, 0.1–5.6)), pVT2 (−9.3% (95% CI, −5.9 to −12.7)), and pVT1 (−9.3% (95% CI, −4.1 to −14.4)). Non-significant changes were found for V̇O<sub>2max</sub> and MAP. This study describes the effects of a 3-week moderate altitude (LHTH training) on performance and economy/efficiency-related variables in elite rowers, suggesting that it is an excellent option to induce positive adaptations related to endurance performance.</p>