A Blueprint for High Altitude Acclimatization Prior to High Altitude Competition for Professional Athletes

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2024.2666

Keywords:

Guidelines, Acclimatization, High altitudes, Athletes, Competition, Training, High Altitude Acclimatization, Professional Athletes, Altitude Training, Athletic Performance, Live-High, Train-Low (LHTL), Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema

Abstract

Introduction: Among professional athletes, high altitude training is a popular technique due to its documented success on improving cardiovascular health and athletic performance. Nevertheless, there is little consensus on the guidelines for high altitude training and competition. This review sought to summarize existing literature for acclimatization recommendations for competing at high altitudes and suggests a blueprint that could be followed by athletes and trainers. 

Methods: This paper is part of the Altitude Nondifferentiated ECG Study (ANDES) project. A non-systematic search was conducted using Pubmed, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases.

Results: Six studies were included, all of which recommended a gradual ascent before competition. The duration of acclimatization ranged from 4 days to 2 weeks depending on the magnitude of ascent. Athletes are encouraged to have pre-ascent assessments of ferritin, transferrin, hemoglobin mass, ECG, and weight with close monitoring of adverse altitude-induced complications.

Conclusion: This study provides insight on key recommendations for athletes and trainers to consider when training and competing at high altitudes. These strategies can optimize athletic performance and mitigate deleterious altitude effects that can hinder functionality and training.

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References

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The image presents a flowchart titled Proposed Algorithm: Recommendations for Acclimatization to Altitude. It is organized into three sections. The Before Ascent section recommends collecting baseline ferritin, transferrin, and hemoglobin mass, as well as evaluating past medical history, injuries, and electrolytes. In the Acclimatization Period, the chart provides guidelines based on altitude ranges: for low altitude (defined as less than 1500 meters), the recommended period is 4 days to 2 weeks; for moderate altitude (1500 to 2000 meters), it is 1 to 2 weeks; and for high altitude (greater than 2000 meters), the recommendation is 2 weeks. A note indicates that these durations may vary depending on institutional recommendations. Finally, the Ascent Considerations section is represented visually with an icon of a person climbing a mountain, highlighting the need to consider specific factors during ascent. The flowchart uses a clear layout with arrows and visual elements like people and mountains to organize and emphasize the recommendations effectively

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Published

2024-11-20 — Updated on 2024-12-03

How to Cite

Ramchandani, R., Gupta, S., Mohammad, E., Florica, T., Rawi, R. A., Galdeano, R. S., Sotomayor-Perales, J., & Baranchuk, A. (2024). A Blueprint for High Altitude Acclimatization Prior to High Altitude Competition for Professional Athletes. International Journal of Medical Students, 12(4), 451–456. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2024.2666

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2024)

Section

Review

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Copyright (c) 2024 Rashi Ramchandani, Shyla Gupta, Emaad Mohammad, Tereza Florica; Reem Al Rawi; Ricardo Sebastian Galdeano, Jorge Sotomayor-Perales, Adrian Baranchuk

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