Macao Polytechnic University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao, China
Macao, China
Location status: Recruiting
Recruiting
NCT Number: NCT07718009
Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Exercise Capacity and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of alternating altitude training and fixed-altitude training on physical performance and physiological adaptations in elite race walkers living at altitude. Elite race walkers from Yunnan Province will be randomly assigned to either an alternating altitude training group or a fixed-altitude training group. The alternating altitude training group will perform selected training sessions under simulated higher-altitude conditions while completing the remaining sessions at their regular altitude training base. The fixed-altitude training group will complete all training sessions at the regular altitude. Physical performance, race walking performance, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and hematological parameters will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of the two altitude training strategies.
Recruiting
Interested in participating?
Request InfoKey information
Conditions
Age range
18 year–26 year
Sex eligibility
Male
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- Male and female elite race walkers aged 16-26 years. Registered athletes from the Yunnan Provincial Race Walking Team. Long-term residents of high-altitude regions with regular altitude training experience.
Healthy and medically cleared to participate in high-intensity training and hypoxic exposure.
Able to complete the prescribed training program and all outcome assessments. Provided written informed consent before enrollment. For participants younger than 18 years, written informed consent will also be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Exclusion criteria
- Any cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological, or other medical condition contraindicating exercise or hypoxic exposure.
Musculoskeletal injury or illness affecting normal training or performance within the previous three months.
Current use of medications or supplements that may substantially influence physiological adaptation or exercise performance.
Failure to complete the intervention or outcome assessments according to the study protocol.
Withdrawal of informed consent at any time during the study.
Treatment and study plan
Alternating Altitude Training
BehavioralParticipants complete the prescribed training program using an alternating altitude strategy, combining regular altitude training with selected sessions performed under simulated higher-altitude conditions.
Fixed-Altitude Training
BehavioralParticipants complete the prescribed training program exclusively at the regular altitude training base.
Primary outcomes
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Body Weight
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Body weight measured before and after the training period.
-
Body Fat Percentage
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Body fat percentage measured using bioelectrical impedance or other validated method.
-
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Forced vital capacity measured using spirometry before and after the intervention.
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Maximal Voluntary Ventilation
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
MVV measured using standard pulmonary function testing protocol pre- and post-intervention.
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Left Ventricular Volume
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Echocardiography measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume.
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Ejection Fraction
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Echocardiography assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction pre- and post-training.
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Myocardial Thickness
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Measurement of interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall thickness by echocardiography.
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Maximal Oxygen Uptake
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Pre- and post-intervention measurement of VO₂max using standard exercise testing protocol to assess aerobic capacity
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Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Countermovement jump (CMJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to evaluate lower-limb explosive power before and after the intervention.
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Squat Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Squat jump (SJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to assess concentric lower-limb explosive strength before and after the intervention.
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Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Peak Force
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform to assess maximal isometric lower-limb strength before and after the intervention.
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Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Rate of Force Development
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Rate of force development (RFD) during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform before and after the intervention.
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Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI) calculated from repeated ankle hops using a force platform or validated jump assessment system to assess lower-limb reactive strength before and after the intervention.
Secondary outcomes
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Red Blood Cell Count
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
RBC count measured from venous blood samples pre- and post-intervention.
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Hemoglobin
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Hemoglobin concentration measured from venous blood samples.
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Hematocrit
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Hemoglobin concentration measured from venous blood samples.
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Erythropoietin
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Plasma EPO concentration measured from venous blood samples.
Study contacts
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Macao Polytechnic University
Other
Registry information
Official study title
Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Physical Performance and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Important dates
- Study start
- 2026
- Primary completion
- 2026
- Study completion
- 2026
- First posted
- Jul 21, 2026
- Registry last updated
- Jul 21, 2026
OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.
View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.
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