Some coaches believe that 'live high, train low' technique improves performance by increasing red blood cell mass and maximal oxygen uptake. Australian researchers say that improvement in performance irrespective of oxygen uptake but due to muscle buffering capacity.
Even though the researchers from Finland made the first attempt in evaluating the effective approach and outcome of the 'live high, train low' type of altitude training in the beginning of 1990, the two American researchers namely Levine and Stray-Gundersen studied on this subject and published their analysis in the year 1992. In the year 2001, Hahn et al. said that sports scientist from Australia have shown deep interest in this technique which is a method of altitude training.
In the year 2001, the two scientists Hahn and Gore stated that the 'live high, train low' technique in altitude training was highly productive for athletes participating in 400 meters track race, inter-collegiate runners, experienced short distance runners, advanced rowers and experienced female cyclists. The above studies reveal that the athletes had not been exposed to altitude training even once but were equally fit. They also suggested that the performance level increases by 1% to 2% due to 'live high, train low' method. These conditions can be achieved by directly applying the natural altitude process or by using hypoxic, hypobaric and normobaric hypoxic chambers.
The cyclist trained in simulated chambers has the advantage of training at sea level and staying at high altitude. Levine and Stray-Gundersen have devised an approach of staying at 2,500 meters altitude and taking up high intensity training at half the altitude for four weeks in natural conditions. The same effect is experienced by the cyclist who does low moderate intensity workout at high altitude. More oxygen being available at lower heights, the absolute intensity is enhanced by high intensity training at lower heights.
Advanced long distance runners exhibited better sea level performance by 1.1%, as a result of a week's 'live high, train low' technique. This may be due to increased EPO secretion by kidneys, high red blood cell mass and maximum oxygen absorption by muscles. Stray-Gundersen et al. expressed their opinion similar to the above mentioned. On the contrary, Australian scientists have observed better performances by the above technique without any increments in red blood cell mass or increased oxygen uptake, confirming their opinion that performance is improved by altitude training which is independent of oxygen uptake. The muscle buffering capacity also increases due to altitude training.
Critics of this technique state that a clear placebo-managed device has not been formed yet. It may be due to the athlete's firm faith in the procedure which may enable him to enhance his performance.
Author Resource:
Have you enjoyed this article on high intensity training??, Alison Addy writes for http://www.cyclingmind.com . A focused website that offers the articles on cycling interval training .
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