In the world of sports performance, athletes and coaches are constantly seeking ways to gain a competitive edge. One method that has gained traction in recent years is the "Live High, Train Low" (LHTL) approach. But does it really work for team sport athletes? A recent study by Inness, Billaut, and Aughey sheds light on this question, offering promising results for those willing to embrace the altitude.

The Study at a Glance: Researchers divided 15 Australian footballers into two groups: one that underwent LHTL training and a control group. The LHTL group spent 19 nights at a simulated altitude of 3000 meters, with short breaks at sea level. Both groups were tested on various performance measures before, during, and after the intervention.

Key Findings:

1. Hemoglobin Mass (Hbmass): After 15 nights, the LHTL group showed a possible increase in Hbmass. By the 19th night, this increase was very likely, with a 6.7% improvement.
2. Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-Yo IR2): While there was no meaningful difference after 5 nights, the LHTL group showed possible improvements after 15 nights and likely improvements after 19 nights, outperforming the control group by 13.5%.
3. Time Trials: Both groups improved in the 2-km time trial, but the LHTL group's improvement was possibly higher. In the 1-km time trial, only the LHTL group improved, with their enhancement likely greater than the control group by 4.6%.

What Does This Mean for Athletes? The results suggest that LHTL can be an effective strategy for team sport athletes, particularly when implemented for at least 15-19 nights. The improvements in hemoglobin mass, intermittent running performance, and time trial results indicate potential benefits in both endurance and high-intensity efforts – crucial components in many team sports.

Practical Implications:

1. Timing is crucial: While some benefits may start to appear after 15 nights, the full effects seem to manifest after 19 nights of LHTL.
2. Patience is key: Short-term LHTL protocols (e.g., 5 nights) may not produce significant results.
3. Balanced approach: The study's protocol included breaks at sea level, suggesting that a complete isolation at altitude may not be necessary.

Conclusion: For team sport athletes looking to boost their performance, the Live High, Train Low approach shows promise. However, it's important to note that this study focused on Australian footballers, and results may vary for other sports. As with any training intervention, individual responses can differ, and it's crucial to work with experienced coaches and medical professionals when implementing altitude training.

The next time you see your favorite team heading to the mountains for a training camp, remember – they might be tapping into the power of altitude to give themselves that extra edge on the field.

Sources: Mathew W H Inness , François Billaut , Robert J Aughey