Skip to content

Study note

Heat suit training increases hemoglobin mass in elite cross-country skiers.

PMID 35305278 (2022): heat, suit — Performance in heat (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 35305278

Heat suit training increases hemoglobin mass in elite cross-country skiers.

Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports2022 • DOI 10.1111/sms.14156

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: controlled study.
  • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

The primary purpose was to test the effect of heat suit training on hemoglobin mass (Hb(mass) ) in elite cross-country (XC) skiers. (controlled study; n=13 elite participants).

The abstract suggests a positive effect on Performance in heat 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: The primary purpose was to test the effect of heat suit training on hemoglobin mass (Hb(mass) ) in elite cross-country (XC) skiers.
  • The abstract suggests a positive effect on Performance in heat under the tested conditions.
  • Population: n=13 elite participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 50 min.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: heat, suit (vs control group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 50 min.
  • Outcomes: Performance in heat.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (n=13 elite participants) working on heat.
  • Athletes who can measure Performance in heat with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • 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=13 elite participants.
  • Comparator: control group.
  • Outcomes measured: Performance in heat.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 50 min.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 35305278 (2022) — Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

HEAT led to 30 g greater Hb(mass) (95% CI: [8.5, 51.7], p = 0.009) and 157 ml greater red blood cell volume ([29, 285], p = 0.018) post-intervention, compared to CON when adjusted for baseline values.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and 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.

Adaptive AI coach for iPhone

Meet your adaptive AI coach.

Tell your coach what you are training for. It builds the plan, follows the work you complete, and adapts upcoming training when recovery, your schedule, or real life changes.

Keep going

Sources