Brothers, M. D., Hilger, K., Carson, J. M., Sullivan, L., & Byrnes, W. C. (2007). GXT responses in altitude acclimatized cyclists during sea level simulation. ACSM Annual Meeting New Orleans, Presentation Number, 922.

Under the sea-level condition, the cyclists demonstrated a significant increase (2 to 3%) in absolute and relative VO2peak, improved (4%) economy at lactate threshold, and time-adjusted peak power (7%). Improvements varied between individuals ranging from -6% to +25%. Simulated sea-level also resulted in a greater arterial saturation at rest and VO2peak, and significantly less desaturation from rest to VO2peak. The genders differed in their responses.

Implication. Moderate-altitude residents improve in performance and have altered physiological responses upon performing in sea-level conditions. However, the individual variations and gender differences warrant individual monitoring of response capabilities before assuming the nature of any adaptation.

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