Study note • PMID 23170749
Physiological and performance responses to a preseason altitude-training camp in elite team-sport athletes.
Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.
ELI5
In plain language
Little research has been done on the physiological and performance effects of altitude training on team-sport athletes. (controlled study; n=21 elite athletes).
The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Time-trial performance under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.
Takeaways
What the abstract suggests
- • Study question: Little research has been done on the physiological and performance effects of altitude training on team-sport athletes.
- • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Time-trial performance under the tested conditions.
- • Population: n=21 elite athletes.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 19 days • 2130 m.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: altitude (vs comparison group).
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 19 days • 2130 m.
- • Outcomes: VO₂max, Time-trial performance.
- • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.
Fit
Who it helps, and who should skip it
Who it helps
- • Athletes similar to the study population (n=21 elite athletes) working on altitude.
- • Athletes who can measure VO₂max, Time-trial performance with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.
Who should skip
- • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
- • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.
Methods
What the study actually did
- • Design: controlled study.
- • Population: n=21 elite athletes.
- • Comparator: comparison group.
- • Outcomes measured: VO₂max, Time-trial performance.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 19 days • 2130 m.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 23170749 (2013) — International journal of sports physiology and performance.
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“A preseason altitude camp improved TT performance and Hbmass in elite AF players to a magnitude similar to that demonstrated by elite endurance athletes undertaking altitude training.”
Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.
Limits
Limitations & bias
- • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
- • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
- • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
- • This is performance information, not medical advice.
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