Abstract des Autors

Physiological acclimatisation to a chronically reduced P1O2 is a prerequisite to achieve optimal physical performance in environmental hypoxia. However, scientific evidence to support the claim that either continuous or intermittent hypoxic training will enhance sea level performance remains at present equivocal. Future research should focus on methodological technicalities that optimise the balance between the favourable and less favourable responses to hypoxia and potential mediators of performance after return to sea level. Preliminary evidence showing that the additive stress of hypobaric hypoxia may provoke an adverse immune response and further potentiate free radical mediated oxidative injury has important implications which, if confirmed by scientific rigor, would present a threat to both the fitness and health of the elite competitor. Verf.-Referat