Is live high-train low altitude training relevant for elite athletes? Flawed analysis from inaccurate data

摘要

Since 2012, Lundby and Robach have consistently stated that 'altitude training does not convincingly increase exercise performance and should not be recommended to elite (endurance) athletes', This research group suggests that altitude training and particularly 'live high-train low (LHTL) may only increase total haemoglobin mass (Hb(mass) [and possibly maximal oxygen consumption (VO_(2max] in athletes with an initial low Hb_(niass) value'. This statement comes from the analysis of nine selected studies on the relationship between group mean pre-LHTL value of Hb_(mass) and increase in Hb after LHTL. The inverse correlation (r=-0.86; P<0.01) between initial Hb_(mass) value and percentage increase in Hb would suggest that athletes starting an intervention with high relative Hb_(mass) levels have smaller chances to further increase their relative Hb following altitude training. The rationale behind was that those athletes had already maximised their Hb_(mass) level by training at sea level.