Author(s): HERTIG, A., BOWDEN, S.E., PERRET, C., AMMANN, F., Institution: SWISS PARAPLEGIC RESEARCH, Country: SWITZERLAND, Abstract-ID: 349

INTRODUCTION:
Spinal cord injury affects physiological functioning and may likewise influence the ability to adapt to external stressors. Even though the positive effect of altitude acclimatization has been well-established for non-disabled athletes, there is a lack of evidence in athletes with spinal cord injury. This study assessed the effects of an altitude acclimatization camp on performance and hematological markers in three elite handcycling athletes with spinal cord injury over two consecutive years.
METHODS:
Ferritin levels were checked and restored to optimal levels (> 50 ng/mL) before the start of each camp. During each camp, the athletes followed a three-week "live high, train low" protocol, residing at an elevation of 2020 m while training at an elevation of around 650 m. The effects of altitude acclimatization on performance were assessed by evaluating maximal power output (POmax) and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) relative to body mass, as measured during an exercise test before and after each camp. Secondary endpoints included changes in relative hemoglobin mass and hematocrit, as measured from antecubital blood samples. Due to the small sample size, all parameters were evaluated descriptively.
RESULTS:
One female and two male athletes with paraplegia participated in both camps (mean (standard deviation) age 29 (7) years, elite level 4 (2) years). On average, the athletes spent 416 hours at altitude. All athletes improved their POmax and V̇O2peak after each camp, ranging from 0.02 to 0.15 W/kg (1 to 4%) and 0.3 to 3.8 mL/kg/min (1 to 9%), respectively. Haemoglobin mass increased for both camps in two athletes (1 to 6%), whereas one athlete showed improvements for only one year (3%). Adaptations in haematocrit varied between athletes and years, ranging from -1 to 11%.
CONCLUSION:
This is the first study assessing the effects of altitude acclimatization in elite athletes with spinal cord injury. Despite the small sample size, the initial results show promising effects on endurance capacity and hematological markers. Further research involving larger populations is needed to confirm these findings and to explore how variations in lesion characteristics, such as the level and completeness of the spinal cord injury, may contribute to individual differences in adaptations.