Study note • PMID 30300037
Training to Compete at Altitude:Natural Altitude or Simulated Live High:Train Low?
Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.
ELI5
In plain language
To compare the effects of natural altitude training (NAT) and simulated (SIM) live high:train low altitude training on road-race walking performance (min), as well as treadmill threshold walking speed… (controlled study; n=15 elite athletes).
The abstract suggests a positive effect on VO₂max, 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: To compare the effects of natural altitude training (NAT) and simulated (SIM) live high:train low altitude training on road-race walking performance (min), as well as treadmill threshold walking speed…
- • The abstract suggests a positive effect on VO₂max, Time-trial performance under the tested conditions.
- • Population: n=15 elite athletes.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 1380 m • 600 m.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: altitude (vs control condition).
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 1380 m • 600 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=15 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=15 elite athletes.
- • Comparator: control condition.
- • Outcomes measured: VO₂max, Time-trial performance.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 1380 m • 600 m.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 30300037 (2019) — International journal of sports physiology and performance.
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“Both NAT and SIM may allow athletes to achieve reasonable acclimation prior to competition at low altitude.”
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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