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"Living High-Training Low" for Olympic Medal Performance: What Have We Learned 25 Years After Implementation?

PMID 37116895 (2023): altitude, hypoxia — VO₂max, Time-trial performance (study note for endurance athletes).

Last updated/Feb 23, 2026, 11:13 PM

Study note • PMID 37116895

"Living High-Training Low" for Olympic Medal Performance: What Have We Learned 25 Years After Implementation?

International journal of sports physiology and performance2023 • DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0501
Evidence C60/100
Action 2: Consider

Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.

ELI5

In plain language

This review discusses important considerations for successful implementation of LHTL camps in elite athletes based on experiences, both published and unpublished, of the authors. (review; elite athletes).

In this review, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Time-trial performance. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: This review discusses important considerations for successful implementation of LHTL camps in elite athletes based on experiences, both published and unpublished, of the authors.
  • In this review, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Time-trial performance.
  • Population: elite athletes.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 2300 m.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: altitude, hypoxia.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 2300 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 (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: review.
  • Population: elite athletes.
  • Outcomes measured: VO₂max, Time-trial performance.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 2300 m.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 37116895 (2023) — International journal of sports physiology and performance.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

The evolution of the LHTL model represents an essential framework for sport science, in which field-driven questions about performance led to critical scientific investigation and subsequent practical implementation of a unique approach to 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).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • 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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Sources