Effects of Altitude training on Ethiopian endurance athletes recovery heart rate and hematological variables

Tesfaye Moges; Mathivanan Dhamodharan; Mulay Gebretensay; Alemmebrat Kiflu; Efrem Kentiba

doi:10.15561/26649837.2024.0306

Authors

Tesfaye Moges Mekelle University https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2366-7433
Mathivanan Dhamodharan Wellega University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1726-5094
Mulay Gebretensay Mekelle University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3764-3950
Alemmebrat Kiflu Addis Ababa University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9298-1154
Efrem Kentiba Arba Minch University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7013-2605

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2024.0306

Keywords:

Altitude training, red blood cell, Hemoglobin, hematocrit, recovery heart rate

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. A recent study indicates that Ethiopian middle- and long-distance athletes originate from diverse geographical regions, including areas of varying elevation. This study aimed to analyze the impact of altitude training on hematological parameters and recovery heart rates among young male endurance trainees training at sites located at different altitude levels. Material and Methods. The study employed a quasi-experimental, counterbalanced approach involving 15 male trainees. Five individuals from each training center experienced the standard training program across three distinct geographical locations and elevations. Pre- and post-test data were collected on red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, and recovery heart rate before and after six months, from 6:00–8:00 AM. ANCOVA was utilized to analyze the data. Results. Following the intervention, the mean Red Blood Cell (RBC) count was observed to be higher in trainees from low altitude (5.18±0.33) compared to those from moderate altitude (4.48±0.14 and 5.21±0.22), with a significance level of p<0.05. The mean Hemoglobin (HGB) count was found to be higher in moderate altitude trainees (17.00±0.70 and 16.31±0.65) than in low altitude trainees (15.82±1.37), although this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Similarly, the mean Hematocrit (HCT) count was low for both low altitude (46.04±3.49) and moderate altitude trainees (46.46±3.9 and 45.42±1.54), with no significant difference noted (p>0.05). The mean Platelet (PLT) count was 226.8±75.88 for low altitude trainees and 265.8±23.18, 276±53.96 for moderate altitude trainees, with no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). As for the recovery heart rate, mean values showed no significant difference between the pre-and post-test groups. In the pretest, the mean recovery heart rate was 30.00±14.70 for low-altitude trainees and 43.20±8.90, 43.20±13.68 for moderate-altitude trainees (p>0.05). In the post-test, the mean recovery heart rate was 25.20±7.82 for low-altitude trainees and 32.40±10.04, 36.00±7.35 for moderate-altitude trainees (p>0.05). Conclusions. The findings indicate that training at different altitudes impacts the hematological and cardiovascular systems of endurance athletes in varied ways. This underscores the importance of developing tailored training programs to optimize performance and recovery. These results are particularly relevant for coaches and athletes seeking to enhance endurance training outcomes through altitude training strategies.

Author Biographies

Tesfaye Moges, Mekelle University

tesfayepe@gmail.com; Department of Sport Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences; Mekelle Ethiopia.

Mathivanan Dhamodharan, Wellega University

gokulvarshan2004@gmail.com; Associate Professor; Department of Sport Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences; Nekemte, Ethiopia.

Mulay Gebretensay, Mekelle University

mulay_atahan@yahoo.com; Assistant Professor; Department of Sport Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences; Mekelle Ethiopia.

Alemmebrat Kiflu, Addis Ababa University

alemmebrat.kiflu@yahoo.com; Associate Professor; Department of Sport Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Efrem Kentiba, Arba Minch University

efre89@gmail.com; Department of Sport Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences; Arba Minch, Ethiopia.

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