Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2002; 23(8): 561-566
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35533
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Erythropoiesis and Performance after Two Weeks of Living High and Training Low in Well Trained Triathletes

C.  Dehnert1 , M.  Hütler3 , Y.  Liu1 , E.  Menold1 , C.  Netzer1 , R.  Schick3 , B.  Kubanek2 , M.  Lehmann1 , D.  Böning3 , J. M.  Steinacker1
  • 1Dept. of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical Centre, University of Ulm, Germany
  • 2Dept. of Transfusion Medicine, Medical Centre, University of Ulm, Germany
  • 3Dept. of Sports Medicine, Free University, Berlin, Germany
Further Information

Publication History



Accepted after revision: March 15, 2002

Publication Date:
19 November 2002 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to evaluate hematologic acclimatization during 2 weeks of intensive normoxic training with regeneration at moderate altitude (living high-training low, LHTL) and its effects on sea-level performance in well trained athletes compared to another group of equally trained athletes under control conditions (living low - training low, CONTROL). Twenty-one triathletes were ascribed either to LHTL (n = 11; age: 23.0 ± 4.3 yrs; V˙O2max: 62.5 ± 9.7 [ml × min-1 × kg-1]) living at 1956 m of altitude or to CONTROL (n = 10; age: 18.7 ± 5.6 yrs; V˙O2max: 60.5 ± 6.7 ml × min-1 × kg-1) living at 800 m. Both groups perfomed an equal training schedule at 800 m. V˙O2max, endurance performance, erythropoietin in serum, hemoglobin mass (Hbtot, CO-rebreathing method) and hematological quantities were measured. A tendency to improved performance in LHTL after the camp was not significant (p < 0.07). Erythropoietin concentration increased temporarily in LHTL (Δ 14.3 ± 8.7 mU × ml-1; p < 0.012). Hbtot remained unchanged in LHTL whereas was slightly decreased from 12.5 ± 1.3 to 11.9 ± 1.3g × kg-1 in CONTROL (p < 0.01). As the reticulocyte number tended to higher values in LHTL than in CONTROL, it seems that a moderate stimulation of erythropoiesis during regeneration at altitude served as a compensation for an exercise-induced destruction of red cells.

Key words

Blood volume - endurance performance - erythropoietin - intermittent hypoxia - reticulocytes

References

  • 1 Alexander J K, Hartley L H, Modelski M, Grover R F. Reduction of stroke volume during exercise in man following ascent to 3100 m altitude.  J Appl Physiol. 1967;  23 849-858
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Ashenden M J, Gore C J, Dobson G P, Boston T T, Parisotto R, Emslie K R, Trout G J, Hahn A G. Simulated moderate altitude elevates serum erythropoietin but does not increase reticulocyte production in well-trained runners.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;  81 428-435
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Ashenden M J, Gore C J, Dobson G P, Hahn A G. “Live high, train low” does not change the total haemoglobin mass of male endurance athletes sleeping at a simulated altitude of 3000 m for 23 nights.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1999;  80 479-484
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Ashenden M J, Gore C J, Martin D T, Dobson G P, Hahn A G. Effects of a 12-day “live high, train low” camp on reticulocyte production and haemoglobin mass in elite female road cyclists.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1999;  80 472-478
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Bailey D M, Davies B. Physiological implications of altitude training for endurance performance at sea level: a review.  Br J Sports Med. 1997;  31 183-190
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Beaver W L, Wasserman K, Whipp B J. A new method for detecting anaerobic threshold by gas exchange.  J Appl Physiol. 1986;  60 2020-2027
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Berglund B. High-altitude training. Aspects of haematological adaption.  Sports Med. 1992;  14 289-303
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Bigard A X, Brunet A, Guezennec C Y, Monod H. Skeletal muscle changes after endurance training at high altitude.  J Appl Physiol. 1991;  71 2114-2121
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Böning D. Altitude and hypoxia training - a short review.  Int J Sports Med. 1997;  18 565-570
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Burge C M, Skinner S L. Determination of hemoglobin mass and blood volume with CO: evaluation and application of a method.  J Appl Physiol. 1995;  79 623-631
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Chapman R F, Stray-Gundersen J, Levine B D. Individual variation in response to altitude training.  J Appl Physiol. 1998;  85 1448-1456
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Daniels J, Oldridge N. The effects of alternate exposure to altitude and sea level on world-class middle-distance runners.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1970;  2 107-112
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Dick F W. Training at altitude in practice.  Int J Sports Med. 1992;  13 203-206
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Digicaylioglu M, Lipton S A. Erythropoietin-mediated neuroprotection involves cross-talk between Jak2 and NF-κB signalling cascades.  Nature. 2001;  412 641-647
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Dressendorfer R H, Keen C L, Wade C E, Claybaugh J R, Timmis G C. Development of runner's anemia during a 20-day road race: effect of iron supplements.  Int J Sports Med. 1991;  12 332-336
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Friedmann B D, Jost J, Rating T, Weller E, Werle E, Eckardt K U, Bärtsch P, Mairbäurl H. Effect of iron supplementation on total body hemoglobin during endurance training at moderate altitude.  Int J Sports Med. 1999;  20 78-85
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Green H J, Sutton J R, Cymerman A, Young P M, Houston C S. Operation Everest II: adaptations in human skeletal muscle.  J Appl Physiol. 1989;  66 2454-2461
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Grover R F, Weil J V, Reeves J T. Cardiovascular adaptation to exercise at high altitude.  Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 1986;  14 269-302
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Gunga H, Kirsch K, Rocker L, Schobersberger W. Time course of erythropoietin, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone at 2315 m.  J Appl Physiol. 1994;  76 1068-1072
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Jackson C G, Sharkey B J. Altitude, training and human performance.  Sports Med. 1988;  6 279-284
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Jung R C, Dill D B, Horton R, Horvath S M. Effects of age on plasma aldosterone levels and hemoconcentration at altitude.  J Appl Physiol. 1971;  31 593-597
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Kanstrup I L, Ekblom B. Blood volume and hemoglobin concetration as determinants of maximal aerobic power.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1984;  16 256-262
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Klausen T, Mohr T, Ghisler U, Nielsen O J. Maximal oxygen uptake and erythropoietic responses after training at moderate altitude.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1991;  62 376-379
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 24 Laitinen H, Alopaeus K, Heikkinen R, Hietanen H, Mikkelsson L, Tikkanen H, Rusko H K. Acclimatization to living in normobaric hypoxia and training in normoxia at sea level in runners. Med.  Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;  27 109
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Levine B D, Stray-Gundersen J. “Living high - training low”: effect of moderate altitude acclimatization with low altitude training on performance.  J Appl Pysiol. 1997;  83 102-112
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 Levine B D, Stray-Gundersen J. A practical approach to altitude training: where to live and train for optimal performance enhancement.  Int J Sports Med. 1992;  13 209-212
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Levine B D, Engfred K, Friedman D B, Kjaer M, Saltin B, Clifford P S, Secher N H. High altitude endurance training; effect on aerobic capacity and work performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990;  22 35
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 28 Levine B D, Stray-Gundersen J, Duhaime G, Snell P G, Friedman D B. “Living high - training low”: The effect of altitude acclimatization normoxic training in trained runners.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1991;  23 25
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 29 Liu Y, Steinacker J M, Dehnert C, Menold E, Baur S, Lormes W, Lehmann M. Effect of “Living high - Training low” on the cardiac functions at sea level.  Int J Sports Med. 1998;  19 380-384
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 30 Mairbäurl H, Schobersberger W, Humpeler E, Hasibeder W, Fischer W, Raas E. Beneficial effects of exercising at moderate altitude on red cell oxygen transport and on exercise performance.  Pflügers Arch. 1986;  406 594-599
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 31 Mattila V, Rusko H. Effect of living high and training low on sea level performance in cyclists.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996;  28 156
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 32 Miayazaki S, Sakai A. The effect of “living high - training low” on physical performance in rats.  Int J Biometerol. 2000;  44 24-30
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 33 Nummela A, Jouste P, Rusko H. Effect of living high and training low on sea level anaerobic performance in runners.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996;  28 124
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 34 Ou L C, Tenney S M. Properties of mitochondria from hearts of cattle acclimatized to high altitude.  Respir Physiol. 1970;  38 806-810
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 35 Piehl Aulin K, Svedenhag J, Wide L, Berglund B, Saltin B. Short-term intermittent normobaric hypoxia - haematological, physiological and mental effects.  Scand J Med Sci Sports. 1998;  8 132-137
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 36 Puranen A S, Rusko H K. On- and off-response of EPO, reticulocytes, 2,3-DPG and plasma volume to living high, training low.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996;  28 159
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 37 Radomski M W, Sabiston B H, Isoard P. Development of “sports anemia” in physically fit men after daily sustained submaximal exercise.  Aviat Space Environ Med. 1980;  51 41-45
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 38 Roskamm H, Landry F, Samek L, Schlager M, Weidemann H, Reindell H. Effects of a standardized ergometer training program at three different altitudes.  J Appl Physiol. 1969;  27 840-847
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 39 Rusko H K, Penttinen J TT, Koistinen P O, Vahasoyrinki P I, Leppaluoto J O. A new solution to simulate altitude and stimulate erythropoiesis at sea level in athletes. Helsinki, Finland; International Congress on Applied Research in Sports 1994: pp287-289
    Google Scholar
  • 40 Schmidt W, Eckhardt K U, Hilgendorf A, Strauch S, Bauer C. Effects of maximal and submaximal exercise under normoxic and hypoxic conditions on serum erythropoietin level.  Int J Sports Med. 1991;  12 457-461
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 41 Schmidt W, Maassen N, Trost F, Böning D. Training induced effects on blood volume, erythrocyte turnover and haemoglobin oxygen binding properties.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1988;  57 490-498
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 42 Souillard A, Audran M, Bressolle F, Gareau R, Duvallet A, Chanal J L. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of recombinant human erythropoietin in athletes. Blood sampling and doping control.  Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1996;  42 355-364
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 43 Steinacker J M, Halder A, Liu Y, Thomas A, Stauch M. Hypoxic ventilatory response during rest and exercise after a Himalaya expedition.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1996;  73 202-209
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 44 Steinacker J M, Liu Y, Böning D, Halder A, Maassen N, Thomas A, Stauch M. Lung diffusion capacity, oxygen uptake, cardiac output and oxygen transport during exercise before and after an Himalaya expedition.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1996;  74 187-193
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 45 Stray-Gundersen J, Chapman R F, Levine B D. “Living high - training low” altitude training improves sea level performance in male and female elite runners.  J Appl Physiol. 2001;  91 1113-1120
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 46 Stray-Gundersen J, Levine B D. “Living high-training high and low” is equivalent to “living high-training low” for sea-level performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997;  29 S.136
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 47 Surks M I, Chinn K S, Mathoush L R. Alterations in body composition in man after acute exposure to high altitude.  J Appl Physiol. 1966;  21 1741-1746
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 48 Sutton J R, Reeves J T, Groves B M, Wagner P D, Alexander J K, Hultgren H N, Cymerman A, Houston C S. Oxygen transport and cardiovascular function at extreme altitude: lessons from Operation Everest II.  Int J Sports Med. 1992;  13 13-18
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 49 Sutton J R, Reeves J T, Wagner P D, Groves B M, Cymerman A, Malconian M K, Rock P B, Young P M, Walter S D, Houston C S. Operation Everest II: oxygen transport during exercise at extreme simulated altitude.  J Appl Physiol. 1988;  64 1309-1321
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 50 Terrados N. Altitude training and muscular metabolism.  Int J Sports Med. 1992;  13 206-209
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 51 Terrados N, Melichna J, Jansson E, Kaijser L. Effects on training at simulated altitude on performance and muscle metabolic capacity in competitive road cyclists.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1988;  57 203-209
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 52 Wang R Y, Tsai S C, Lu C C, Shih H C, Chen Y H, Tung Y F, Wang W F, Wang S W, Wang P S. Effect of aging on erythropoietin secretion in male rats.  J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1996;  51 B434-438
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 53 Weight L M, Byrne M J, Jacobs P. Haemolytic effects of exercise.  Clin Sci (Colch). 1991;  81 147-152
    PubMedGoogle Scholar

Ch. Dehnert

Department of Internal Medicine VII (Sports Medicine) · University Hospital Heidelberg

Hospitalstrasse 3 · 69115 Heidelberg ·

Phone: +49-6221-56-8105

Fax: +49-6221-56-5972

Email: christoph_dehnert@med.uni-heidelberg.de

      >