The Impact of Simulated Altitude on Selected Elements of Running Performance

Authors

Taylor G. Flowers, Abilene Christian UniversityFollow
Matthew J. Garver, Abilene Christian UniversityFollow
Cory M. Scheadler, Northern Kentucky UniversityFollow
Sarah J. Taylor, Abilene Christian UniversityFollow
Logan M. Smith, Abilene Christian UniversityFollow
Chase M. Harbach, Abilene Christian UniversityFollow
Heather X. Johnson, Abilene Christian UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background: Simulating altitude at sea level is increasingly more popular among recreationally-trained athletes across the sports spectrum. The AltO2Lab is a commercially-available, handheld, rebreathing apparatus purported to simulate altitude. Currently, there is an overall dearth of evidence regarding the efficacy of the device. Purpose: The goal of this study was to add evidence supporting or challenging the effectiveness of the device to improve selected running performance-related variables and to investigate the time-course of changes should benefits be evidenced. Methods: The 37-day protocol included familiarization, baseline, and 2 follow-up visits during which time hematological (hematocrit and lactate), physiological (running economy, maximal VO₂, and heart rate), and psychological (Borg RPE) variables were monitored at rest, during relative submaximal, and/or maximal treadmill exercise. Altitude training days (18 days; one hour each day) were fitted within the 37-day time-line to occur after the baseline visit but before the respective follow-up visits. Specifically, the altitude training took place in 3, 6-day blocks of device usage with exposure, monitored by oximetry, intensifying across the days and blocks. Twelve days of altitude training were completed before the first follow-up visit while the final 6 days of altitude training were completed between the first and second follow-up visit. In this manner, the follow-ups could serve to evaluate the potential effectiveness of the device and narrow the time course of changes to a specific usage duration. Results: Six, recreationally-trained athletes (Females = 4; Males = 2; Age = 22.0 ± 2.9 yrs.; Baseline VO_2max 52.7 ± 6.7) enrolled in the study. One subject was removed due to noncompliance. Overall, simulated altitude at the prescribed, intensifying dosage, failed to change both hematocrit (p = 0.469) and VO_2max (p = 0.184) when analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Additionally, no differences were found for secondary variables including: running economy, heart rate, lactate or RPE (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Presently, the AltO2Lab failed to improve selected variables related to running performance. This finding is in contrast to previous investigations with the device but it does align with the knowledge that a stronger stimulus might be necessary to induce HIF-mediated erythropoiesis to the extent that the cascade could alter hematological and subsequently performance ability through enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity. These results are preliminary and a final cohort will complete testing before concluding results will be disseminated.

Recommended Citation

Flowers, Taylor G.; Garver, Matthew J.; Scheadler, Cory M.; Taylor, Sarah J.; Smith, Logan M.; Harbach, Chase M.; and Johnson, Heather X. (2015) "The Impact of Simulated Altitude on Selected Elements of Running Performance," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 7, Article 36.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss7/36