Karvonen, J., Petola, E., & Saarela, J. (1986). The effect of sprint training performed in a hypoxic environment on specific performance capacity. Journal of Sports Medicine, 26, 219-224.

National sprinters were divided into two groups, one training at sea-level and the other at altitude. Training was conducted for three weeks.

Speed production and explosive strength increased more in Ss training above sea-level (1,850 m). It was suggested that altitude training be performed as final work prior to a main competition and not to increase the capacity of anaerobic glycolysis.

Implication. The main benefit of altitude training may be environmental rather than physiological. The decreased gravitational pull and reduced air resistance may allow faster work to be performed than is possible at sea-level. That specific fast work "peaks" performance in a better manner for sea-level performance.

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