Drum, S. N., & Clark, H. M. (2013). Physiological changes in experienced adolescent distance runners after 12 days at altitude. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 690.

This study investigated the physiological changes in adolescent runners (M = 15; F = 9) who trained and lived at altitude for a short duration. It was hypothesized that changes in physiological variables would occur after about ten days (or the average length of stay). Ss attended and trained at a high altitude (>7,700 ft) running camp. A maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test was performed within 1-3 days of arrival at altitude. The same test protocol was repeated after approximately 12 days of live-high/train-high. VO2max, time to fatigue, maximum heart rate, and ventilation threshold were calculated and served as the primary variables.

The following variables increased significantly over approximately 12-days from pre- to post-test: VO2max, time to fatigue, and ventilatory threshold. Maximum heart rate did not change.

Implication. In adolescent experienced distance runners arriving at altitude from near sea level, it seems comfortable adjustments occur after about 12-days of residency and training.

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