Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Exercise Capacity and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Alternating Altitude Training, Fixed-Altitude Training.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Altitude Training, Race Walking. Basic parameters: 18 years — 26 years · Male.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- China
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Physical Performance and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
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.
Interventions
- Behavioral 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. - Behavioral Fixed-Altitude Training
Participants complete the prescribed training program exclusively at the regular altitude training base.
Primary outcome measures
- Body Weight [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Body Fat Percentage [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Maximal Voluntary Ventilation [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Left Ventricular Volume [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Ejection Fraction [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Myocardial Thickness [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Maximal Oxygen Uptake [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Countermovement Jump Height [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Squat Jump Height [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Red Blood Cell Count [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Hemoglobin [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Hematocrit [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
- Erythropoietin [Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Male and female elite race walkers aged 16-26 years. Registered athletes from the Yunnan Provincial Race Walking Team. Long-term residents of high-altitude regions with regular altitude training experience.
Healthy and medically cleared to participate in high-intensity training and hypoxic exposure.
Able to complete the prescribed training program and all outcome assessments. Provided written informed consent before enrollment. For participants younger than 18 years, written informed consent will also be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Exclusion criteria
- Any cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological, or other medical condition contraindicating exercise or hypoxic exposure.
Musculoskeletal injury or illness affecting normal training or performance within the previous three months.
Current use of medications or supplements that may substantially influence physiological adaptation or exercise performance.
Failure to complete the intervention or outcome assessments according to the study protocol.
Withdrawal of informed consent at any time during the study.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Other
Study locations
China · 1 center
- Macao Polytechnic University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao, China — Macao
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07718009 · AAT-RW-2026-01