Live high-train low for 24 days increases hemoglobin mass and red cell volume in elite endurance athletes

J Appl Physiol (1985). 2006 Jun;100(6):1938-45. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01284.2005. Epub 2006 Feb 23.

Abstract

The effect of live high-train low on hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and red cell volume (RCV) in elite endurance athletes is still controversial. We expected that Hb(mass) and RCV would increase, when using a presumably adequate hypoxic dose. An altitude group (AG) of 10 Swiss national team orienteers (5 men and 5 women) lived at 2,500 m (18 h per day) and trained at 1,800 and 1,000 m above sea level for 24 days. Before and after altitude, Hbmass, RCV (carbon monoxide rebreathing method), blood, iron, and performance parameters were determined. Seven Swiss national team cross-country skiers (3 men and 4 women) served as "sea level" (500-1,600 m) control group (CG) for the changes in Hbmass and RCV. The AG increased Hbmass (805+/-209 vs. 848+/-225 g; P<0.01) and RCV (2,353+/-611 vs. 2,470+/-653 ml; P<0.01), whereas there was no change for the CG (Hbmass: 849+/-197 vs. 858+/-205 g; RCV: 2,373+/-536 vs. 2,387+/-551 ml). Serum erythropoietin (P<0.001), reticulocytes (P<0.001), transferrin (P<0.001), soluble transferrin receptor (P<0.05), and hematocrit (P<0.01) increased, whereas ferritin (P<0.05) decreased in the AG. These changes were associated with an increased maximal oxygen uptake (3,515+/-837 vs. 3,660+/-770 ml/min; P<0.05) and improved 5,000-m running times (1,098+/-104 vs. 1,080+/-98 s; P<0.01) from pre- to postaltitude. Living at 2,500 m and training at lower altitudes for 24 days increases Hbmass and RCV. These changes may contribute to enhance performance of elite endurance athletes.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Altitude*
  • Anthropometry
  • Erythrocyte Indices / physiology
  • Erythrocyte Volume / physiology*
  • Erythropoietin / blood
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hematocrit
  • Hemoglobins / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / blood
  • Hypoxia / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Receptors, Transferrin / blood
  • Reticulocyte Count
  • Transferrin / analysis

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Receptors, Transferrin
  • Transferrin
  • Erythropoietin