Abstract

Elite athletes frequently utilize both the classical altitude training method of live high, train high (LHTH) and the newer model of live high, train low (LHTL) in order to optimize performance at sea level. However, if competitions are held at altitude, athletes adopt altitude-specific training strategies. When ascending to extremely high altitudes (>5000 m), alternative strategies may be necessary. Successful adaptation to extreme altitude depends on several factors, including maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) or its percentage utilization, hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), respiratory muscle endurance, myoglobin concentration, and muscular strength. All of these characteristics are trainable.

Keywords

altitude training, sea level performance, extreme altitude, hypoxic ventilatory response