Ventilatory acclimatisation is beneficial for high-intensity exercise at altitude in elite cyclists.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ventilatory adaptation and performance during altitude training at 2700 m. METHODS: Seven elite cyclists (age: 21.2 ± 1.1 yr, body mass: 69.9 ± 5.6 kg, height 176.3 ± 4.9 cm) participated in this study. A hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) test and a submaximal exercise test were performed at sea level prior to the training camp and again after 15 d at altitude (ALT15). Ventilation (VE), end-tidal carbon-dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2) and oxyhaemoglobin saturation via pulse oximetry (SpO2) were measured at rest and during submaximal cycling at 250 W. A hill climb (HC) performance test was conducted at sea level and after 14 d at altitude (ALT14) using a road of similar length (5.5-6 km) and gradient (4.8-5.3%). Power output was measured using SRM cranks. Average HC power at ALT14 was normalised to sea level power (HC%). Multiple regression was used to identify significant predictors of performance at altitude. RESULTS: At ALT15, there was a significant increase in resting VE (10.3 ± 1.9 vs. 12.2 ± 2.4 L·min(-1)) and HVR (0.34 ± 0.24 vs. 0.71 ± 0.49 L·min(-1)·%(-1)), while PETCO2 (38.4 ± 2.3 vs. 32.1 ± 3.3 mmHg) and SpO2 (97.9 ± 0.7 vs. 94.0 ± 1.7%) were reduced (P < .05). Multiple regression revealed ΔHVR and exercise VE at altitude as significant predictors of HC% (adjusted r(2) = 0.913; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Ventilatory acclimatisation occurred during a 2 wk altitude training camp in elite cyclists and a higher HVR was associated with better performance at altitude, relative to sea level. These results suggest that ventilatory acclimatisation is beneficial for cycling performance at altitude.

Body mass management of lightweight rowers: nutritional strategies and performance implications.

The majority of lightweight rowers undertake acute weight loss prior to competition. Given the competitive advantage afforded to larger, more muscular rowers over their smaller counterparts, the use of moderate, acute weight loss may be justified, at least among larger, leaner athletes who struggle to achieve the specified body mass requirement and have limited potential for further body mass loss via reductions in body fat. The performance implications of moderate acute weight loss appear to be small on the ergometer and may be even less on water, at least when aggressive recovery strategies are adopted between weigh-in and racing. Furthermore, any performance implications of acute weight loss are not exacerbated when such weight loss is undertaken repeatedly throughout the course of a regatta, and may even be eliminated when aggressive recovery strategies are introduced before and after racing. The combination of adequate sodium, fluid and carbohydrate in line with current guidelines results in the best performances. While the performance implications of modest acute weight loss may still need to be considered in regard to competition outcome, chronic body mass strategies may not be without performance implications. This is especially the case for athletes who have very low levels of body fat and/or athletes who decrease their body mass too quickly. Further studies are needed to address the degree of weight loss that can be tolerated with minimal health and/or performance implications, and the optimal time frame over which this should occur. Possible adaptation to the physiological state that accompanies acute weight loss also warrants investigation.

Is three-dimensional anthropometric analysis as good as traditional anthropometric analysis in predicting junior rowing performance?

With the use of three-dimensional whole body scanning technology, this study compared the 'traditional' anthropometric model [one-dimensional (1D) measurements] to a 'new' model [1D, two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) measurements] to determine: (1) which model predicted more of the variance in self-reported best 2000-m ergometry rowing performance; and (2) what were the best anthropometric predictors of ergometry performance, for junior rowers competing at the 2007 and 2008 Australian Rowing Championships. Each rower (257 females, 16.3 ± 1.4 years and 243 males, 16.6 ± 1.5 years) completed a performance and demographic questionnaire, had their mass, standing and sitting height physically measured and were landmarked and scanned using the Vitus Smart® 3D whole body scanner. Absolute and proportional anthropometric measurements were extracted from the scan files. Partial least squares regression analysis, with anthropometric measurements and age as predictor variables and self-reported best 2000-m ergometer time as the response variable, was used to first compare the two models and then to determine the best performance predictors. The variance explained by each model was similar for both male [76.1% (new) vs. 73.5% (traditional)] and female [72.3% (new) vs. 68.6% (traditional)] rowers. Overall, absolute rather than proportional measurements, and 2D and 3D rather than 1D measurements, were the best predictors of rowing ergometry performance, with whole body volume and surface area, standing height, mass and leg length the strongest individual predictors.

Improved race performance in elite middle-distance runners after cumulative altitude exposure.

We quantified the effect of an extended live high-train low (LHTL) simulated altitude exposure followed by a series of training camps at natural moderate altitude on competitive performance in seven elite middle-distance runners (Vo2max 71.4 +/- 3.4 mL.min-1.kg-1, mean +/- SD). Runners spent 44 +/- 7 nights (mean +/- SD) at a simulated altitude of 2846 +/- 32 m, and a further 4 7- to 10-d training at natural moderate altitude (1700-2200 m) before racing. The combination of simulated LHTL and natural altitude training improved competitive performance by 1.9% (90% confidence limits, 1.3-2.5%). Middle-distance runners can confidently use a combination of simulated and natural altitude to stimulate adaptations responsible for improving performance.

A protocol for measuring the direct effect of cycling on neuromuscular control of running in triathletes.

The direct effects of cycling on movement and muscle recruitment patterns (neuromuscular control) during running are unknown but critical to success in triathlon. We outline and test a new protocol for investigating the direct influence of cycling on neuromuscular control during running. Leg movement (three-dimensional kinematics) and muscle recruitment (surface electromyography, EMG) were compared between a control run (no prior exercise) and a 30-min transition run that was preceded by 20 min of cycling. We conducted three experiments investigating: (a) the repeatability (between-day reliability) of the protocol; (b) the ability of the protocol to investigate, in highly trained national or international triathletes, the direct influence of cycling on neuromuscular control during running independent of neuromuscular fatigue; and (c) the ability of the protocol to provide a control, or baseline, measure of neuromuscular control (determined using a measure of stability) without causing fatigue. Kinematic and EMG measures of neuromuscular control during running showed moderate to high repeatability: mean coefficients of multiple correlation for repeatability of EMG and kinematics were 0.816 +/- 0.014 and 0.911 +/- 0.031, respectively. The protocol provided a robust baseline measure of neuromuscular control during running without causing neuromuscular fatigue (coefficients of multiple correlation for stability of EMG and kinematics were 0.827 +/- 0.023 and 0.862 +/- 0.054), while EMG and force data provided no evidence of fatigue. The protocol outlined here is repeatable and can be used to measure any direct influence of cycling on neuromuscular control during running.

Practical precooling: effect on cycling time trial performance in warm conditions.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two practical precooling techniques (skin cooling vs. skin + core cooling) on cycling time trial performance in warm conditions. Six trained cyclists completed one maximal graded exercise test (VO2(peak) 71.4 +/- 3.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and four approximately 40 min laboratory cycling time trials in a heat chamber (34.3 degrees C +/- 1.1 degrees C; 41.2% +/- 3.0% rh) using a fixed-power/variable-power format. Cyclists prepared for the time trial using three techniques administered in a randomised order prior to the warm-up: (1) no cooling (control), (2) cooling jacket for 40 min (jacket) or (3) 30-min water immersion followed by a cooling jacket application for 40 min (combined). Rectal temperature prior to the time trial was 37.8 degrees C +/- 0.1 degrees C in control, similar in jacket (37.8 degrees C +/- 0.3 degrees C) and lower in combined (37.1 degrees C +/- 0.2 degrees C, P < 0.01). Compared with the control trial, time trial performance was not different for jacket precooling (-16 +/- 36 s, -0.7%; P = 0.35) but was faster for combined precooling (-42 +/- 25 s, - .8%; P = 0.009). In conclusion, a practical combined precooling strategy that involves immersion in cool water followed by the use of a cooling jacket can produce decrease in rectal temperature that persist throughout a warm-up and improve laboratory cycling time trial performance in warm conditions.

Influence of nutrient intake after weigh-in on lightweight rowing performance.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of different nutritional recovery strategies between weigh-in and racing on 2000-m rowing ergometer performance among oarsmen undertaking short-term weight loss before competition. METHODS: Competitive rowers (N = 12) completed four ergometer trials, each separated by 48 h. No weight restrictions were imposed for the first trial (TR1). Thereafter, athletes were required to reduce their body mass by 5.2% in the 24 h before trial 2 (TR2), again reaching this body mass before the final two trials (TR3 and TR4). Athletes were provided with one of three nutritional recovery strategies in the 2 h between weigh-in and racing in a counterbalanced fashion according to a Latin square design: fluid (2.8 kJ.kg(-1), 0.0 g.kg(-1) carbohydrate, 0.6 mg.kg(-1) sodium, 28.5 mL.kg(-1) fluid; FLU), carbohydrate/sodium (45.3 kJ.kg(-1), 2.2 g.kg(-1) carbohydrate, 32.9 mg.kg(-1) sodium, 7.2 mL.kg(-1) fluid; CHO), and a combination of water and carbohydrate/sodium (44.8 kJ.kg(-1), 2.3 g.kg(-1) carbohydrate, 33 mg.kg(-1) sodium, 28.5 mL.kg(-1) fluid; COM). RESULTS: Performance was slower for CHO compared with both COM (mean difference, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.37-6.88 s; P = 0.003) and FLU (2.88; 95% CI, 0.13-5.63 s; P = 0.039). However, FLU was not significantly slower than COM (1.24; 95% CI, -1.41 to 3.90 s; P = 0.474). CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation has shown that although carbohydrate and sodium intake may be important in the recovery period between weigh-in and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance, fluid intake has a greater influence on performance among lightweight male rowers who undertake short-term weight loss to achieve specified body-mass limits.

Preparation of former heavyweight oarsmen to compete as lightweight rowers over 16 weeks: three case studies.

To strengthen the depth of lightweight rowing talent, we sought to identify experienced heavyweight rowers who possessed physique traits that predisposed them to excellence as a lightweight. Identified athletes (n = 3) were monitored over 16 wk. Variables measured included performance, anthropometric indices, and selected biochemical and metabolic parameters. All athletes decreased their body mass (range 2.0 to 8.0 kg), with muscle mass accounting for a large proportion of this (31.7 to 84.6%). Two athletes were able to maintain their performance despite reductions in body mass. However, performance was compromised for the athlete who experienced the greatest weight loss. In summary, smaller heavyweight rowers can successfully make the transition into the lightweight category, being nationally competitive in their first season as a lightweight.

Impact of two different body mass management strategies on repeat rowing performance.

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to examine the impact of acute weight loss on repeat 2000-m rowing ergometer performance during a simulated multiday regatta, and to compare two different body mass management strategies between races. METHODS: Competitive rowers (N = 16) were assigned to either a control (CON), partial recovery (REC(partial)), or complete recovery (REC(complete)) group. Volunteers completed four trials, each separated by 48 h. No weight restrictions were imposed for the first trial. Thereafter, athletes in REC(partial) and REC(complete) were required to reduce their body mass by 4% in the 24 h before trial 2, again reaching this body mass before the final two trials. No weight restrictions were imposed on CON. Aggressive nutritional recovery strategies were used in the 2 h following weigh-in for all athletes. These strategies were maintained for the 12-16 h following racing for REC(complete) with the aim of restoring at least three quarters of the original 4% body mass loss. Postrace recovery strategies were less aggressive in REC(partial); volunteers were encouraged to restore no more than half of their initial 4% body mass loss. RESULTS: Acute weight loss increased time to complete the first "at-weight" performance trial by a small margin (mean 3.0, 95% CI -0.3 to 6.3 s, P = 0.07) when compared with the CON response. This effect decreased when sustained for several days. Aggressive postrace recovery strategies tended to eliminate the effect of acute weight loss on subsequent performance. CONCLUSION: Acute weight loss resulted in a small performance compromise that was reduced or eliminated when repeated over several days. Athletes should be encouraged to maximize recovery in the 12-16 h following racing when attempting to optimize subsequent performance.

Effect of simulated altitude during sleep on moderate-severity OSA.

OBJECTIVE: These studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that isobaric hypoxia would switch OSA to central sleep apnoea (CSA). METHODS: Five adult men (mean age 54.2 +/- 5.5 years, mean BMI 29.9 +/- 6.7 kg/m(2)) with moderate OSA underwent overnight polysomnography at three altitudes. The highest altitude was simulated in a normobaric hypoxic chamber. RESULTS: The obstructive respiratory disturbance index fell from 25.5 +/- 14.4/h at 60 m to 17.3 +/- 9.2/h at 610 m and 0.5 +/- 0.7/h at 2750 m (P = 0.004 compared with 60 m). The central respiratory disturbance index rose from 0.4 +/- 0.5/h at 60 m to 8.1 +/- 5.8/h at 610 m and 78.8 +/- 29.7/h at 2750 m (P < 0.001 compared with 60 m). Mean sleep SaO(2) fell from 94 +/- 1% at 60 m to 93 +/- 1% at 610 m to 85 +/- 4% at 2750 m (P < 0.001 compared with 60 m). CONCLUSION: Moderate severity OSA at sea level (60 m) was completely replaced by severe CSA at a simulated altitude of 2750 m. The authors believe that the OSA resolved because of an increased respiratory drive [corrected] and an increase in upper airway tone, whereas CSA developed because of hypocapnia in non-rapid eye movement sleep.

The water-polo intermittent shuttle test: a match-fitness test for water-polo players.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate an intermittent match-fitness test for water-polo players. METHODS: Eight male junior players performed the Water Polo Intermittent Shuttle Test (WIST) twice to assess test reliability. To assess test sensitivity and validity, 104 male and female players from different competition standards and playing positions were tested. Eighteen players performed the WIST 5 times throughout a season to track fitness changes. Twelve players performed the WIST 48 hours before 4 consecutive National League games, and coaches awarded individual match-fitness scores based on game performances to assess the relationship between match fitness and test results. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La(blood)) were measured during and after each test, respectively. RESULTS: Test-retest performance values were 216 +/- 90 vs 229 +/- 96 m (r = .98, P = .0001, coefficient of variation [CV] = 5.4%), peak HR 190 +/- 8 vs 192 +/- 10 bpm (r = .96, P = .0002, CV = 1.2%), and La(blood) 7.0 +/- 1.8 vs 6.4 +/- 1.6 mmol/L (r = .84, P = .0092, CV = 8.8%). Significant differences were observed among different standards of play (range junior regional females 102 +/- 10 m, senior international males 401 +/- 30 m) and playing positions (field players 305 +/- 154 m, center forwards 255 +/- 118, goal keepers 203 +/- 135 m). Test performance was lower in the early season (344 +/- 118 m) than the remainder of the season (range 459 +/- 138 to 550 +/- 176 m). WIST performance and match-fitness scores correlated for all field players (r = .57, P = .054) but more highly for field players other than center forwards (r = .83, P = .0027). CONCLUSIONS: The WIST is a reliable, sensitive, and valid match-fitness test for water-polo players. It could become a useful tool to assess the effects of different interventions on match fitness.

The EPAS1 gene influences the aerobic-anaerobic contribution in elite endurance athletes.

EPAS1 is a gene involved in complex oxygen sensing. It is expressed in microvascular endothelial cells, lung epithelial cells, cardiac myocytes and the brain. An association study was undertaken comparing elite endurance athletes classified into two groups according to a power-time model of performance intensity: power-time-maximum (PT-MAX; N=242, event duration 50 s to 10 min) and power-time-steady state (PT-SS; N=151, event duration ~2-10 h), with normal controls (N=444) using 12 SNPs across EPAS1. Ordinal regression analysis of allele frequencies revealed significant differences at SNPs 2 and 3 (P=0.01). Haplotype analysis revealed the presence of haplotypes involving SNPs 2-5 that significantly differentiated (P<0.05) the groups based on an ordinal ranking using the power-time classification. These same haplotypes differentiated the PT-MAX group in which a significant decrease in a haplotype (F: G-C-C-G; OR=0.57, P=0.02, 95% CI 0.36-0.92) and increase in a second haplotype (G: A-T-G-G; OR=1.75, P=0.03, 95% CI 1.05-2.91) was observed compared to controls. The PT-SS group was differentiated from the PT-MAX group by a third haplotype (H: A-T-G-A; OR=0.46, P=0.04, 95% CI 0.22-0.96). Since EPAS1 has a role as a sensor capable of integrating cardiovascular function, energetic demand, muscle activity and oxygen availability into physiological adaptation, we propose that DNA variants in EPAS1 influence the relative contribution of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism and hence the maximum sustainable metabolic power for a given event duration.

Impact of acute weight loss and/or thermal stress on rowing ergometer performance.

PURPOSE: The impact of acute weight loss on rowing performance was assessed when generous nutrient intake was provided in 2 h of recovery after making weight. METHODS: Competitive rowers (N = 17) completed four ergometer trials, each separated by 48 h. Two trials were performed after a 4% body mass loss in the previous 24 h (WT) and two were performed after no weight restrictions, that is, unrestricted (UNR). In addition, two trials (1 x WT, 1 x UNR) were in a thermoneutral environment (NEUTRAL, mean 21.1 +/- SD 0.7 degrees C, 29.0 +/- 4.5% RH) and two were in the heat (HOT 32.4, +/- 0.4 degrees C, 60.4 +/- 2.7% RH). Trials were performed in a counterbalanced fashion according to a Latin square design. Aggressive nutritional recovery strategies (WT 2.3 g x kg(-1) carbohydrate, 34 mg x kg(-1) Na, 28.4 mL x kg(-1) fluid; UNR ad libitum) were employed in the 2 h after weigh-in. RESULTS: Both WT (mean 2.1, 95% CI 0.7-3.4 s; P = 0.003) and HOT (4.1, 2.7 - 5.4 s; P < 0.001) compromised 2000-m time-trial performance. Whereas WT resulted in hypohydration, the associated reduction in plasma volume explained only part of the performance compromise observed (0.2 s for every 1% decrement) Moreover, WT did not influence core temperature or indices of cardiovascular function. CONCLUSIONS: Acute weight loss compromised performance, despite generous nutrient intake in recovery, although the effect was small. Performance decrements were further exacerbated when exercise was performed in the heat.

Sleep disturbance at simulated altitude indicated by stratified respiratory disturbance index but not hypoxic ventilatory response.

At high altitudes, the clinically defined respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and high hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) have been associated with diminished sleep quality. Increased RDI has also been observed in some athletes sleeping at simulated moderate altitude. In this study, we investigated relationships between the HVR of 14 trained male endurance cyclists with variable RDI and sleep quality responses to simulated moderate altitude. Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2%), heart rate, RDI, arousal rate, awakenings, sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non-REM sleep stages 1, 2 and slow wave sleep as percentages of total sleep time (%TST) were measured for two nights at normoxia of 600 m and one night at a simulated altitude of 2,650 m. HVR and RDI were not significantly correlated with sleep stage, arousal rate or awakening response to nocturnal simulated altitude. SpO2 was inversely correlated with total RDI (r = -0.69, P = 0.004) at simulated altitude and with the change in arousal rate from normoxia (r = -0.65, P = 0.02). REM sleep response to simulated altitude correlated with the change, relative to normoxia, in arousal (r = -0.63, P = 0.04) and heart rate (r = -0.61, P = 0.04). When stratified, those athletes at altitude with RDI >20 h(-1) (n = 4) and those with <10 h(-1) (n = 10) exhibited no difference in HVR but the former had larger falls in SpO2 (P = 0.05) and more arousals (P = 0.03). Neither RDI (without stratification) nor HVR were sufficiently sensitive to explain any deterioration in REM sleep or arousal increase. However, the stratified RDI provides a basis for determining potential sleep disturbance in athletes at simulated moderate altitude.

Body-mass management of Australian lightweight rowers prior to and during competition.

PURPOSE: Although the body-mass management strategies of athletes in high-participation weight-category sports such as wrestling have been thoroughly investigated, little is known about such practices among lightweight rowers. This study examined the body-mass management practices of lightweight rowers before competition and compared these with current guidelines of the International Federation of Rowing Association (FISA). Quantification of nutrient intake in the 1-2 h between weigh-in and racing was also sought. METHODS: Lightweight rowers (N = 100) competing in a national regatta completed a questionnaire that assessed body-mass management practices during the 4 wk before and throughout a regatta plus recovery strategies after weigh-in. Biochemical data were collected immediately after weigh-in to validate questionnaire responses. Responses were categorized according to gender and age category (Senior B or younger than 23 yr old, i.e., U23, Senior A or OPEN, i.e., open age limit) for competition. RESULTS: Most athletes (male U23 76.5%, OPEN 92.3%; female U23 84.0%, OPEN 94.1%) decreased their body mass in the weeks before the regatta at rates compliant with FISA guidelines. Gradual dieting, fluid restriction, and increased training load were the most popular methods of body-mass management. Although the importance of recovery after weigh-in was recognized by athletes, nutrient intake and especially sodium (male U23 5.3 +/- 4.9, OPEN 7.7 +/- 5.9; female U23 5.7 +/- 6.8, OPEN 10.2 +/- 5.4 mg x kg(-1)) and fluid intake (male U23 12.1 +/- 7.1, OPEN 13.5 +/- 8.1; female U23 9.4 +/- 7.4, OPEN 14.8 +/- 6.9 mL x kg(-1)) were below current sports nutrition recommendations. CONCLUSION: Few rowers were natural lightweights; the majority reduced their body mass in the weeks before a regatta. Nutritional recovery strategies implemented by lightweight rowers after weigh-in were not consistent with current guidelines.

Hypoxic ventilatory response is correlated with increased submaximal exercise ventilation after live high, train low.

This study tested the hypothesis that live high, train low (LHTL) would increase submaximal exercise ventilation (V(E)) in normoxia, and the increase would be related to enhanced hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). Thirty-three cyclists/triathletes were divided into three groups: 20 consecutive nights of hypoxia (LHTLc, n = 12), 20 nights of intermittent hypoxia (4x5-night 'blocks' of hypoxia interspersed by two nights of normoxia, LHTLi, n = 10), or control (CON, n = 11). LHTLc and LHTLi slept 8-10 h per night in normobaric hypoxia (2,650 m), and CON slept under ambient conditions (600 m). Resting, isocapnic HVR (DeltaV(E)/Deltablood oxygen saturation) was measured in normoxia before (PRE) and after 15 nights (N15) hypoxia. Submaximal cycle ergometry was conducted PRE and after 4, 10, and 19 nights of hypoxia (N4, N10, and N19 respectively). Mean submaximal exercise V(E) was increased (P < 0.05) from PRE to N4 in LHTLc [74.4 (5.1) vs 80.0 (8.4) l min(-1); mean (SD)] and in LHTLi [69.0 (7.5) vs 76.9 (7.3) l min(-1)] and remained elevated in both groups thereafter, with no changes observed in CON at any time. Prior to LHTL, submaximal V(E) was not correlated with HVR, but this relationship was significant at N4 (r = 0.49, P = 0.03) and N19 (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). Additionally, the increases in submaximal V(E) and HVR from PRE to N15-N19 were correlated (r = 0.51, P = 0.02) for the pooled data of LHTLc and LHTLi. These results suggest that enhanced hypoxic chemosensitivity contributes to increased exercise V(E) in normoxia following LHTL.

Intermittent normobaric hypoxia does not alter performance or erythropoietic markers in highly trained distance runners.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that intermittent normobaric hypoxia at rest is a sufficient stimulus to elicit changes in physiological measures associated with improved performance in highly trained distance runners. Fourteen national-class distance runners completed a 4-wk regimen (5:5-min hypoxia-to-normoxia ratio for 70 min, 5 times/wk) of intermittent normobaric hypoxia (Hyp) or placebo control (Norm) at rest. The experimental group was exposed to a graded decline in fraction of inspired O2: 0.12 (week 1), 0.11 (week 2), and 0.10 (weeks 3 and 4). The placebo control group was exposed to the same temporal regimen but breathed fraction of inspired O2 of 0.209 for the entire 4 wk. Subjects were matched for training history, gender, and baseline measures of maximal O2 uptake and 3,000-m time-trial performance in a randomized, balanced, double-blind design. These parameters, along with submaximal treadmill performance (economy, heart rate, lactate, and ventilation), were measured in duplicate before, as well as 1 and 3 wk after, the intervention. Hematologic indexes, including serum concentrations of erythropoietin and soluble transferrin receptor and reticulocyte parameters (flow cytometry), were measured twice before the intervention, on days 1, 5, 10, and 19 of the intervention, and 10 and 25 days after the intervention. There were no significant differences in maximal O2 uptake, 3,000-m time-trial performance, erythropoietin, soluble transferrin receptor, or reticulocyte parameters between groups at any time. Four weeks of a 5:5-min normobaric hypoxia exposure at rest for 70 min, 5 days/wk, is not a sufficient stimulus to elicit improved performance or change the normal level of erythropoiesis in highly trained runners.

Effects of live high, train low hypoxic exposure on lactate metabolism in trained humans.

We determined the effect of 20 nights of live high, train low (LHTL) hypoxic exposure on lactate kinetics, monocarboxylate lactate transporter proteins (MCT1 and MCT4), and muscle in vitro buffering capacity (betam) in 29 well-trained cyclists and triathletes. Subjects were divided into one of three groups: 20 consecutive nights of hypoxic exposure (LHTLc), 20 nights of intermittent hypoxic exposure [four 5-night blocks of hypoxia, each interspersed with 2 nights of normoxia (LHTLi)], or control (Con). Rates of lactate appearance (Ra), disappearance (Rd), and oxidation (Rox) were determined from a primed, continuous infusion of l-[U-14C]lactic acid tracer during 90 min of steady-state exercise [60 min at 65% peak O2 uptake (VO(2 peak)) followed by 30 min at 85% VO(2 peak)]. A resting muscle biopsy was taken before and after 20 nights of LHTL for the determination of betam and MCT1 and MCT4 protein abundance. Ra during the first 60 min of exercise was not different between groups. During the last 25 min of exercise at 85% VO(2 peak), Ra was higher compared with exercise at 65% of VO(2 peak) and was decreased in LHTLc (P < 0.05) compared with the other groups. Rd followed a similar pattern to Ra. Although Rox was significantly increased during exercise at 85% compared with 65% of VO(2 peak), there were no differences between the three groups or across trials. There was no effect of hypoxic exposure on betam or MCT1 and MCT4 protein abundance. We conclude that 20 consecutive nights of hypoxia exposure decreased whole body Ra during intense exercise in well-trained athletes. However, muscle markers of lactate metabolism and pH regulation were unchanged by the LHTL intervention.