Abstract des Autors

Altitude training became widely used as acclimatization prior to the 1968 Mexiko City summer Olympic games at 2300 m altitude, as a result of improved performances in acclimatized individuals it has been incorporated in the training regimes of elite athletes attempting to improve sea-level performance. The effects of altitude training upon human performance are complex, numerous variables are known to change from sea-level measurements, however, accumulating scientific evidence has never found a significant physiological advantage in altitude training over sea-level training alone. In spite of this, the majority of international coaches and athletes believe that altitude conveys an advantage to any athlete, whether endurance, power or coordination is the focus in their sport, based upon anecdotal evidence of achievement. This controversy has led to a number of studies being conducted, but due to the variability in altitude, duration of exposure, fitness and training programmes in these studies, only confusing information has been produced. This review attempts to bridge the gap between scientific research and coaching culture to ascertain if altitude training can convey benefit to elite athletes. Verf.-Referat