Medium altitude training is widely used with a view to improving sea-level performance. Elite male distance runners (N = 18) were divided into groups matched for previous and planned training as well as several aerobic parameters. The altitude training group lived and trained at 1700-2000 m. It was concluded that after four weeks at medium altitude no advantage over sea-level training improved 3.2 Km running performance in already well-trained elite runners. Implication: This study was carefully controlled and involved very elite athletes. No benefit from moderate-altitude training was revealed.
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