Heat Versus Altitude Training for Endurance Performance at Sea Level

Environmental stressors, such as heat or altitude, elicit dissimilar physiological adaptations to endurance training programs. Whether these differences (i.e., increased hemoglobin mass vs plasma volume) differentially influence performance is debated. We review data in support of our novel hypothesis, which proposes altitude as the preferred environmental training stimulus for elite endurance athletes preparing to compete in temperate, sea-level climates (5 degrees C-18 degrees C).

Automated summary

The study examines the impact of high-altitude training on elite endurance athletes, suggesting altitude training as the preferred option for preparing for competition in temperate climates.