International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 2024 Evidence: Doesn't Work

Combining Heat and Altitude Training Affects Autonomic Adaptation

Summary

Athletes increasingly combine heat and altitude training for performance gains. Both stressors affect autonomic function, and HRV monitoring helps track acclimatization and prevent overreaching.

Methods

Review of combined heat and altitude training protocols

Key Findings

  • Both heat and altitude stress autonomic system
  • HRV helps monitor adaptation progress
  • Metrics stabilize as acclimatization occurs
  • Heat may provide similar hematological benefits to altitude
  • Combined training increasingly common in elite sport

Limitations

Optimal protocols still being refined

What This Means for You

When training in challenging environments, use HRV to track acclimatization. Stable HRV values indicate adaptation is occurring. Don't push hard training until HRV normalizes.

Source

Read the original paper in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ↗

Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10

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