Application of ‘Live Low-Train High’ for Enhancing Normoxic Exercise Performance in Team Sport Athletes

Abstract

Four modes of LLTH are identified in the current literature (CHT, IHT, RSH and RTH), with training mode and intensity appearing to be key factors in mediating subsequent performance responses in normoxia. Improvements in normoxic performance appear most likely following high-intensity, short-term and intermittent training (e.g., IHT, RSH). LLTH programmes should carefully apply the principles of training and testing specificity and include some high-intensity training in normoxia. For RTH, it is unclear whether the associated adaptations are greater than those of traditional (maximal) resistance training programmes.

“Functional” Respiratory Muscle Training During Endurance Exercise Causes Modest Hypoxemia but Overall is Well Tolerated

“…In traditional CO 2 rebreathing experiments, the accumulation of metabolic CO 2 during exercise is known to increase ventilatory drive by way of the central and peripheral chemoreceptors (7,19). Acute altitude exposure also increases V E (17). However, in this study, the mask's 3 resistance caps impeded inspiratory and expiratory flow, causing participants to reduce V E as a consequence.…”

“…First, it is unclear to what extent changes in the configuration of the training mask's resistance caps will contribute to changes in RMT, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia. Second, given that hypoxia and hypercapnia both cause psychological discomfort (32) that contributes to reduced training quality (10,17), it is unclear to what extent this mask might reduce an individual's exercise tolerance.…”

Performance Enhancement: What Are the Physiological Limits?

“…Recent studies using a single-leg exercise training model (40) or whole-body exercise (85) also showed no effect of hypoxic training. It may be that highintensity interval training or even repeated sprint training coupled with hypoxia has a positive effect on performance (73). Whether this benefit extends to elite athletes is unclear; however, in our opinion, the general negative outcome of hypoxic training studies renders this possibility unlikely.…”

Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sports: A Review of the Literature

“…Such improved oxygen delivery affords athletes improved aerobic capacity. One method by which athletes attempt this is by living or training at high altitudes, which is often thought of as a natural way to improve oxygen delivery [78]. Another method used involves blood transfusions, most commonly autologous.…”