The researchers examined whether athletes become more economical because of high-altitude training — consuming less oxygen at any given speed once they return to sea level. Chapman said the researchers did not see any improvements. Economy was the same or worse, he said, in part because of the elevated breathing the athletes experienced when they returned to sea level. The study, “Running Economy Changes After High Altitude Training: Role of Ventilatory Acclimatization,” was presented during the Altitude and Hypoxia:
Training and Performance Session on Friday morning. Coauthors of this study are Lundgren, Wilhite, Laymon, McKenzie and Chapman.