Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Exercise Capacity and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Altitude Training, Race Walking

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07718009

Run by

Macao Polytechnic University

People needed

16

Starts

2026-07-20

Expected to finish

2026-09-05

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-21

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 26. Sex: male. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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.

You may not qualify if…

• 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.

Where it is running

• Macao Polytechnic University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao, China — Macao, China (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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