Preparation for Endurance Competitions at Altitude: Physiological, Psychological, Dietary and Coaching Aspects. A Narrative Review

Abstract

It was the Summer Olympic Games 1968 held in Mexico City (2,300 m) that required scientists and coaches to cope with the expected decline of performance in endurance athletes and to establish optimal preparation programs for competing at altitude. From that period until now many different recommendations for altitude acclimatization in advance of an altitude competition were proposed, ranging from several hours to several weeks. Those recommendations are mostly based on the separate consideration of the physiology of acclimatization, psychological issues, performance changes, logistical or individual aspects, but there is no review considering all these aspects in their entirety. Therefore, the present work primarily focusses on the period of altitude sojourn prior to the competition at altitude based on physiological and psychological aspects complemented by nutritional and sports practical considerations.

The Use of Pulse Oximetry in the Assessment of Acclimatization to High Altitude

“…Exercising heart rates decrease with increasing SpO 2 during acclimatization exhibiting a similar time course [ 93 ]. In contrast to the aerobic capacity (VO 2 max), the initially reduced submaximal endurance performance at acute altitude improves during 2 to 3 weeks of acclimatization, accompanied by characteristic changes in cardiorespiratory responses [ 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 ]. For instance, the study by Horstman et al reported a 31% and 59% improvement on day 9 and 15 without considerable changes until day 22 [ 99 ].…”

Ten Tips to Hurdle the Injuries and Illnesses During Major Athletics Championships: Practical Recommendations and Resources

“…Major athletics events are rarely at high altitude, but athletes should prepare for the championships by training at the same altitude, adapting dietary strategies and with optimal psychological approach, alongside early arrival for acclimatization purposes (Burtscher et al, 2018).…”

Network Biology led identification of critical miRNA modules for High Altitude hypoxia and their potential as dietary supplements

“…During exposure to a high altitude environment, the human body undergoes many physiological, biochemical, and haematological changes which are required for coping with the environmental stress at high altitude [5]. The physiological and biochemical adjustments include hyperventilation, in ammation, an increase in breathing capacity, and hemoglobin concentration that help to restore oxygen delivery to tissues despite low partial pressure [2,6,7]. Besides, the hormonal imbalance, shift in metabolic systems to lipid metabolism are in uenced by hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude [2].…”