Intensified Training Supersedes the Impact of Heat and/or Altitude for Increasing Performance in Elite Rugby Union Players.

Abstract

PURPOSE\nTo investigate whether including heat and altitude exposures during an elite team-sport training camp induces similar or greater performance benefits.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThe study assessed 56 elite male rugby players for maximal oxygen uptake, repeated-sprint cycling, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2 (Yo-Yo) before and after a 2-week training camp, which included 5 endurance and 5 repeated-sprint cycling sessions in addition to daily rugby training. Players were separated into 4 groups: (1)\xa0control (all sessions in temperate conditions at sea level), (2)\xa0heat training (endurance sessions in the heat), (3)\xa0altitude (repeated-sprint sessions and sleeping in hypoxia), and (4)\xa0combined heat and altitude (endurance in the heat, repeated sprints, and sleeping in hypoxia).\n\n\nRESULTS\nTraining increased maximal oxygen uptake (4% [10%], P = .017), maximal aerobic power (9% [8%], P < .001), and repeated-sprint peak (5% [10%], P = .004) and average power (12% [14%], P < .001) independent of training conditions. Yo-Yo distance increased (16% [17%], P < .001) but not in the altitude group (P = .562). Training in heat lowered core temperature and increased sweat rate during a heat-response test (P < .05).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nA 2-week intensified training camp improved maximal oxygen uptake, repeated-sprint ability, and aerobic performance in elite rugby players. Adding heat and/or altitude did not further enhance physical performance, and altitude appears to have been detrimental to improving Yo-Yo.