TRIP

Effects of Repetitive Training at Low Altitude on Erythropoiesis in 400 and 800 m Runners.

International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2010

[Epub ahead of print] Effects of Repetitive Training at Low Altitude on Erythropoiesis in 400 and 800 m Runners.
Classical altitude training can cause an increase in total hemoglobin mass (THM) if a minimum "dose of hypoxia" is reached (altitude >/=2 000 m,>/=3 weeks).
We wanted to find out if repetitive exposure to mild hypoxia during living and training at low altitude (<2 000 m) for several weeks, often performed by elite athletes, might also have significant effects on erythropoiesis.
THM, erythropoietin (EPO), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin were determined in 8 elite runners before and after each of 2 training camps at low altitude interspersed by 3 weeks of sea-level training and at the same time points in a control group (CG) of 5 well-trained runners.
Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant increases in EPO- and sTfR-levels during both training camps and a significant decrease in ferritin indicating enhanced erythropoietic stimulation during living and training at low altitude.
Furthermore, significant augmentation of THM by 5.1% occurred in the course of the 2 altitude training camps.
In conclusion, repetitive living and training at low altitude leads to a hypoxia-induced increase in erythropoietic stimulation in elite 400 m and 800 m runners and, apparently, might also cause a consecutive augmentation of THM.