Running Economy Changes After Altitude Training: Role Of Running Mechanics

Laymon, Abigail S.; Lundgren, Elizabeth A.; McKenzie, James M.; Wilhite, Daniel P.; Chapman, Robert F.

doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000355525.05366.5a

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…The observed differences in the ventilatory pattern, as evidenced by the higher night breathing frequency in the HH group, could have influenced the delayed performance difference between groups. Finally, it is unlikely that there was any biomechanical alteration in either group who trained “low” at 1100–1200 m, as suggested by the preliminary results of Laymon et al [49] . Therefore, a hypoxic-induced alteration in running style was probably not involved in the observed difference at Post-21.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Comparison of “Live High-Train Low” in Normobaric versus Hypobaric Hypoxia

Saugy

Schmitt²,

Cejuela

et al. 2014

PLoS ONE

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We investigated the changes in both performance and selected physiological parameters following a Live High-Train Low (LHTL) altitude camp in either normobaric hypoxia (NH) or hypobaric hypoxia (HH) replicating current “real” practices of endurance athletes. Well-trained triathletes were split into two groups (NH, n = 14 and HH, n = 13) and completed an 18-d LHTL camp during which they trained at 1100–1200 m and resided at an altitude of 2250 m (PiO2 = 121.7±1.2 vs. 121.4±0.9 mmHg) under either NH (hypoxic chamber; FiO2 15.8±0.8%) or HH (real altitude; barometric pressure 580±23 mmHg) conditions. Oxygen saturations (SpO2) were recorded continuously daily overnight. PiO2 and training loads were matched daily. Before (Pre-) and 1 day after (Post-) LHTL, blood samples, VO2max, and total haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) were measured. A 3-km running test was performed near sea level twice before, and 1, 7, and 21 days following LHTL. During LHTL, hypoxic exposure was lower for the NH group than for the HH group (220 vs. 300 h; P<0.001). Night SpO2 was higher (92.1±0.3 vs. 90.9±0.3%, P<0.001), and breathing frequency was lower in the NH group compared with the HH group (13.9±2.1 vs. 15.5±1.5 breath.min−1, P<0.05). Immediately following LHTL, similar increases in VO2max (6.1±6.8 vs. 5.2±4.8%) and Hbmass (2.6±1.9 vs. 3.4±2.1%) were observed in NH and HH groups, respectively, while 3-km performance was not improved. However, 21 days following the LHTL intervention, 3-km run time was significantly faster in the HH (3.3±3.6%; P<0.05) versus the NH (1.2±2.9%; ns) group. In conclusion, the greater degree of race performance enhancement by day 21 after an 18-d LHTL camp in the HH group was likely induced by a larger hypoxic dose. However, one cannot rule out other factors including differences in sleeping desaturations and breathing patterns, thus suggesting higher hypoxic stimuli in the HH group.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Comparison of “Live High-Train Low” in Normobaric versus Hypobaric Hypoxia

Saugy

Schmitt²,

Cejuela

et al. 2014

PLoS ONE

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Lower Leg Compression Sleeves: Influence on Running Mechanics and Economy in Highly Trained Distance Runners

Laymon¹,

Chapman²,

Stager³

et al. 2010

Medicine &Amp; Science in Sports &Amp; Exercise

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Athletes in a number of sports are using compression as a means to improve training, performance, and recovery. However, the efficacy of and mechanisms behind the use of lower leg compression as an ergogenic aid to improve running performance is unknown. Purpose: To examine whether or not wearing moderate lower leg compression sleeves during exercise evokes changes in running economy due to altered gait mechanics. Methods: Sixteen highly trained male distance runners completed two separate running economy (RE) tests during a single session, a treatment trial of calf compression sleeves and a control trial without compression sleeves. RE was determined by measuring oxygen consumption at three constant submaximal speeds of 233, 268, and 300 m. min-1 on a motorized treadmill. Variables related to running mechanics were measured during the last 30 seconds of each four-minute stage of the RE test via wireless tri-axial 10g accelerometer devices attached to the top of each shoe. Values of ground contact time, swing time, stride time, stride frequency (SF), and stride length (SL) were determined from accelerometric output corresponding to foot strike and toe-off events obtained from a minimum of 25 consecutive steps. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in submaximal VO 2 between control and treatment trials at any of the speeds. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the slope of the lines relating submaximal VO 2 and running speed between the two experimental conditions. There were no significant differences in ground contact time, swing time, stride time, stride frequency, and stride length between control and treatment conditions at any of the running speeds. However, there was a large inter-individual variability in response to compression, and three subjects exhibited large, iii consistent reductions in VO 2 at each speed with compression treatment. These three subjects demonstrated the greatest decreases in SL and SF variability with compression. Conclusions: Wearing lower leg compression does not significantly change running mechanics or oxygen consumption while running at submaximal speeds. However, the individual metabolic and gait response to wearing lower leg compression varies greatly.

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