The Effect of Training at 2100-m Altitude on Running Speed and Session Rating of Perceived Exertion at Different Intensities in Elite Middle-Distance Runners

Abstract

Purpose:To determine the effect of training at 2100-m natural altitude on running speed (RS) during training sessions over a range of intensities relevant to middle-distance running performance. Methods: In an observational study, 19 elite middle-distance runners (mean ± SD age 25 ± 5 y, VO 2 max, 71 ± 5 mL · kg -1 · min -1 ) completed either 4-6 wk of sea-level training (CON, n = 7) or a 4-to 5-wk natural altitude-training camp living at 2100 m and training at 1400-2700 m (ALT, n = 12) after a period of sea-level training. Each training session was recorded on a GPS watch, and athletes also provided a score for session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Training sessions were grouped according to duration and intensity. RS (km/h) and sRPE from matched training sessions completed at sea level and 2100 m were compared within ALT, with sessions completed at sea level in CON describing normal variation. Results: In ALT, RS was reduced at altitude compared with sea level, with the greatest decrements observed during threshold-and VO 2 max-intensity sessions (5.8% and 3.6%, respectively). Velocity of low-intensity and race-pace sessions completed at a lower altitude (1400 m) and/or with additional recovery was maintained in ALT, though at a significantly greater sRPE (P = .04 and .05, respectively). There was no change in velocity or sRPE at any intensity in CON. Conclusion: RS in elite middle-distance athletes is adversely affected at 2100-m natural altitude, with levels of impairment dependent on the intensity of training. Maintenance of RS at certain intensities while training at altitude can result in a higher perceived exertion.Keywords: exercise prescription, load monitoring, endurance.Live high, train high (LHTH), or classic altitude training, is used by endurance athletes to facilitate adaptation and improve performance. [1][2][3][4][5] Training sessions completed in hypoxia evoke a higher physiological load than equivalent sessions completed in normoxia. 6 However, the reduced partial pressure of oxygen and subsequent re-duction in oxygen transport and uptake at race-like intensities 7-9 affects both performance and perceived exertion. In Australian Rules footballers undertaking altitude training at 2100 m, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were 13% higher than controls completing similar, predominantly aerobic training at sea level. 10 Perceptual training data from endurance athletes at natural altitude is scarce, and perhaps would differ from footballers given that a larger volume of endurance training and higher frequency of altitude training is completed.Impaired performances in 3000-m time trials have been reported 11 for elite runners at natural altitude compared with sea level, but the trials were performed within 48 hours of arrival at altitude, contravening the usual practice of allowing an acclimatization period before progressing to intense training. 12 Nevertheless, slower running velocities at altitude have also been reported following acclimatization, 8 however with an improvement in ...

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