INTRODUCTION: Variations in the haemoglobin concentration (Hb) occur during day and night time, by fluctuations in plasma volume and also under certain conditions, such as different body positions, the amount of water intake, after training and also under hypoxic conditions (Lundby et al 2004; Heinicke et al 2005; Wehrling et al 2006). The Hb concentration is used äs an indicator for adaptation processes concerning the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and therefore for the endurance capacity of the athletes. This factor is limited to 16/17 g/dl female/male by the FIS to prevent health risks. The aim of the study was to investigate the basic individual variability and the overall effects of different interventions. A live-high train-high (LH-TH) training program was conducted at 1500-1800m (LH) and -3000m (TH), respectively. Changes in Position were sitting vs. lying down), Status of hydration (2l, 0.51 water intake and no water intake). METHOD: As subjects for the LH-TH training program served elite cross country skiers from France (n=7), Germany (n=7) and Sweden (n=5). The same protocol was carried out by the German team sea level- so called live-low train-low (LL-TL). Their data were compared to a contra! group (8 middle distance runners, 4 triathletes) at sea level. A cross-over design was used. RESULTS: A remarkable intra- and inter-individual variability of the Hb concentration occurred. The following interventions caused a significant decrease of the Hb concentration for all elite cross country skiers (G, F, SW) at altitude: Drinking of 21 of water during one hour resting phase after training (1.5) showed an absolute change of 0.5 g/dl (3%), compared to the test immediately after training (1.4) and 0.8 g/dl, 5%, compared to the blood samples taken before (1.1) and after breakfast (1.2). 20 min in a lying position with 0.5l water intake (2.3) causes a larger decrease of the Hb concentration of 0.5 g/dl, 3%, than 20 min sitting with no water intake (1.3) (0.2-0.3 g/dl-3%) compared to the Hb values before and after breakfast. The total individual Variation of Hb concentration of the elite athletes over all interventions (body Position, hydration, altitude, training) shows a ränge from 0.75 to 1.25 g/dl (4.9 to 8.7%) with an average of 0.9 g/dl (6.4%). DISCUSSION: Although there were standardized procedures in monitoring the haematological Parameters a wide range and quite a high interindividual variability of the Hb concentration occurred during different interventions supporting the idea of defining individual Hb-profiles.
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