Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Exercise Capacity and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Alternating Altitude Training: Participants complete the prescribed training program using an alternating altitude strategy, combining regular altitude training with selected sessions performed under simulated higher-altitude conditions.

Fixed-Altitude Training: Participants complete the prescribed training program exclusively at the regular altitude training base.

Study summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of alternating altitude training and fixed-altitude training on physical performance and physiological adaptations in elite race walkers living at altitude. Elite race walkers from Yunnan Province will be randomly assigned to either an alternating altitude training group or a fixed-altitude training group. The alternating altitude training group will perform selected training sessions under simulated higher-altitude conditions while completing the remaining sessions at their regular altitude training base. The fixed-altitude training group will complete all training sessions at the regular altitude. Physical performance, race walking performance, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and hematological parameters will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of the two altitude training strategies.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Body Weight — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Body weight measured before and after the training period.
• Body Fat Percentage — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Body fat percentage measured using bioelectrical impedance or other validated method.
• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Forced vital capacity measured using spirometry before and after the intervention.
• Maximal Voluntary Ventilation — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  MVV measured using standard pulmonary function testing protocol pre- and post-intervention.
• Left Ventricular Volume — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Echocardiography measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume.
• Ejection Fraction — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Echocardiography assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction pre- and post-training.
• Myocardial Thickness — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Measurement of interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall thickness by echocardiography.
• Maximal Oxygen Uptake — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Pre- and post-intervention measurement of VO₂max using standard exercise testing protocol to assess aerobic capacity
• Countermovement Jump Height — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Countermovement jump (CMJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to evaluate lower-limb explosive power before and after the intervention.
• Squat Jump Height — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Squat jump (SJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to assess concentric lower-limb explosive strength before and after the intervention.
• Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Peak Force — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform to assess maximal isometric lower-limb strength before and after the intervention.
• Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Rate of Force Development — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Rate of force development (RFD) during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform before and after the intervention.
• Reactive Strength Index (RSI) — Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
  Reactive Strength Index (RSI) calculated from repeated ankle hops using a force platform or validated jump assessment system to assess lower-limb reactive strength before and after the intervention.

Trial sites (1)

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