Antioxidant status of elite athletes remains impaired 2 weeks after a simulated altitude training camp

Antioxidant status of elite athletes remains impaired 2 weeks after a simulated altitude training camp 

Pialoux, V., Brugniaux, J., Rock, E., Mazur, A., Schmitt, L., Richalet, J., & ... Mounier, R.

(2010). Antioxidant status of elite athletes remains impaired 2 weeks after a simulated altitude training camp. European Journal of Nutrition, 49(5), 285-292.

Purpose of Study

“ Live high-train low” (LHTL) has become a type of method elite athletes use when it comes to endurance training for competition. The altitude exposure is to increase the oxygen transport capacity. In previous studies, evidence has shown that the antioxidant status is altered when in various altitudes. Surprisingly, there is no information in regards to the antioxidant restoration during the recovery period. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the antioxidant status is impaired by 18 days LHTL in elite athletes and remains altered after 14 days of recovery. Plasma levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehydes (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) lipid-soluble antioxidants were measured before (PRE), the first day after (POST1), and again 2 weeks (POST14) after the training (Pialoux et. al, 2010)

Methods and Materials

            Eleven elite cross-country skiers from the French Skiing Federation were submitted into an 18 day endurance training program. There they were split into two groups: the Hypoxic Group (HG, n=6) where they trained at 1200m and lived in hypoxia (simulated altitude of 2500m, 3000m, 3500m) and the Control Group (CG, n=5) where they trained and lived at 1200m. Written informed consents were given to each participant whom are noteworthy to say that all were low-altitude residents and were not acclimatized to altitude prior to this study. During the training aspect, the HG trained 2hrs per day at 1200m while they spent resting and sleeping periods 11hrs per day in an altitude of 2500m, 3000m, and 3500m for six days each. The CG lived and trained at the same altitude of 1200m. Biomechanical analysis and vitamin A,C, and E intake measurements were taken.

Summary of Results/Conclusion

            Both the HG and CG showed results of decreased antioxidant status at POST1 but after 14 days of recovery, the values of CG returned to baseline levels. As for HG, antioxidant levels still remained even lower suggesting that LHTL affects the mid-term recovery of the antioxidant status. There was a decrease in FRAP after training but it was seen to be lower for women compared to men. During training, HG intakes of vitamin E were significantly lower than those of CG. For vitamin A and C, intake was close to the RDA regardless of the training/recover and group (HG/CG).

Critique of Study

            It is great to see a study in an area that has yet to really be understood. In saying that, the fault is that there still needs to be more studies with various procedures to come up with a universal report that can be approved in the scientific community. A set back with this study is the fact that a very small sample group (n=11) was used. Having more results to look at from a larger population could make it more reliable and valid.

Practical Application(s) of the Study

            Studies as such can be useful for coaches and trainers in knowing how long recovery can take for athletes. Insight can be given for coming up with more optimal nutritional plans to aid athletes in training. Further studies should be done to determine whether antioxidant supplementation should be prescribed to athletes planning repeated and long LHTL camps during training season.

Questions

How could the results have been had there been a larger sample group with even ratio of men/women?

Could time of year play an impact to results?

How does this affect athletes at even lower altitudes than the one prescribed in this study?