Live-High Train-Low ("LHTL") is a new altitude training method. It is the most popular hypoxic training method used by athletes in order to improve endurance performance (Wilber 2007). It allows hypoxic acclimatisation without the detraining that may occur when training at high altitude (Álveres- Herms et al 2015). This essay will look to explore the main mechanisms behind which LHTL brings about an improvement and discuss whether this leads to an increase in sea level athletic performance.
The main ways LHTL brings about improvements are accelerated erythropoiesis, improved exercise economy, increases in skeletal muscle buffering capacity, and increased skeletal muscle NA, K, ATPase activity. Furthermore, the fact that sea level training …show more content…
They found an increase in muscle buffering activity capacity, but enhanced muscle H+ regulation wasn’t shown. They also found a small reduction in muscle maximum Na- K – ATPase activity. This led to decreased ATP consumption in skeletal muscle causing an increase in coupling between ATP demands and supply. Furthermore, the fact that no change in Haemoglobin Mass (Hb mass) was found meant there was no acceleration of erythropoiesis which could explain why VO2 peak decreased. A shift from fat oxidation to carbohydrates optimised energy for a given oxygen consumption explaining the reduction in whole body V02 during exercise and improved gross mechanical …show more content…
Saunders et al (2009) proposed that more than 400 hours of hypoxic exposure is required to elicit any erythropoietin changes. Álverez – Herms et al (2015) claims you need 3-4 weeks minimum of 12 hours per day exposure for benefits. Schuler et al (2007) measured the time course of adaptions to altitude. They took measures daily on day 1, 7, 14 and 21. They suggested that at least 14 days is required to maximise the benefits. Little changes were seen after 14 days. EPO peaked on day 1 and remained elevated for the duration of hypoxia exposure, accelerating erythropoiesis (Chapman et al 2014). Arterial oxygen content decreased on initial exposure but increased after 21 days to allow increases in training. The increase in oxygen saturation increases the amount O2 unloaded in the capillary bed and working muscles thus increasing power and endurance performance (Randel 2007). The highest increase in V02 max and time to exhaustion occurred between 7-14 days as a result of recovery of blood volume. There was no significant changes in the days after. The changes in Hb mass correlate to the change in VO2 and time to exhaustion which all improve