The influence of alTiTude Training on selecTed blood parameTers and lacTaTe curves during swimming

Introduction: Moderate altitude training has become popular to improve competition performance in swimming both at altitude and sea level. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of moderate altitude training on lactate curve during three weeks and after the exposure to altitude training at 1860 m and to examine the effects of altitude training on selected blood parameters before and after the training at altitude. Methods: In the study participated four (1 men, 3 women) high competition-level swimmers (mean ± SD; age 21 ± 1.2 years). All swimmers performed 5 times standardized test 5x3x200m to obtain velocities and heart rates at lactate thresholds and OBLA thresholds (before, three times on altitude and after altitude exposure). Blood samples for selected blood parameters (Erci, Hb, Ht, ERC-ret and ferritin) were taken before and after exposure to altitude. Results: There were no significant changes (P < 0.05) in heart rate and blood lactate at a lactate threshold and OBLA threshold during altitude camp and 21 days after return at sea level. Individual response at altitude camp were found above OBLA threshold. No significant differences were found in selected blood parameters before and after exposure to altitude training (Erci, Hb, Ht, ERC-ret and ferritin). Conclusions: These data indicate that no significant changes in lactate threshold, OBLA threshold, and selected blood parameters were found at altitude and upon return to sea-level after three weeks of training at 1860 m.