Altitude-induced responses observed in the control group

Abstract : The study by Robach et al. 1 aimed to test the hypothesis that LHTL in hypobaric hypoxia improves exercise performance in elite endurance athletes. The authors have to be commended for this logistical challenge of having two VO 2max-matched groups training together between 600 and 1500m but either sleeping at 2207m (LHTL, n = 11) or at 1035 m (Control, n = 8). This protocol allows a good matching of the training loads and it was expected that it could "isolate" the specific effects of hypoxia in the LHTL group. The authors concluded that "Contrary to their hypothesis, 4 weeks of LHTL was not associated to larger improvement in aerobic performance than 'Live Low-Train Low' in young crosscountry skiers"