Hinojosa, J. R., Sivieri, M. V., Harber, M. P., Karlsen, T., Ge, R. L., Fong, W., Stray-Gundersen, J., & Levine, B. (2000). Dose-response relationship between altitude and erythropoietin. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 57.

Well-trained collegiate runners (M = 16; F = 8) were observed for 24 hours at simulated altitudes of 5,840, 6,840, 8,050, and 9,200 feet, each one week apart. Erythropoietin responses were monitored.

At the two lowest altitudes, EPO increased but leveled-off after six hours. At the two highest altitudes, increases were still occurring after 24 hours. At the highest altitude, the highest readings were recorded.

Implication. To get a large EPO response to altitude, athletes have to be exposed to high altitudes. Those altitudes are sufficiently high to severely interfere with endurance athletic performance (training volumes).

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