London - NSW Institute of Sport

ALTITuDe TRAINING
Climbing the
Summit Nipperess,
Every athlete and coach searches for the
competitive edge which will separate them
from their competitors, because in sport, every
second, every inch and every movement counts.
The quest for sporting glory often leads athletes
and coaches to explore the benefits offered via
altitude training. Despite the potential benefits,
altitude training is an expensive process and
often an experience only the elite can acquire.
For some years now Altitude Technology Solutions (ATS) has been
creating altitude training facilities to assist athletes in gaining that
elusive edge over their competitors. From portable tents to an RV
home converted into an altitude environment, ATS, in conjunction with
the NSWIS, has developed a way in which athletes can reap the benefits of
training at altitude.
“The idea and research of training at altitude gathered a lot of momentum
after the 1968 Olympic Games because a lot of athletes who lived at high
altitude achieved excellent results in the higher altitude of Mexico City,”
explained Kenneth Graham, the Institute’s Principal Scientist.
“Since then scientists and coaches have trialled a number of different
options with respect to the benefits of altitude training, which has essentially
led us to the production and use of specialised, portable altitude facilities.”
When you travel to altitude to train there is a reduction in the amount
of oxygen available to breathe in due to the lower air pressure. When
simulating altitude training, the training solutions on offer at the NSWIS
simulate rarefied air by removing some of the oxygen in the air and replacing
it with nitrogen.
One athlete that has taken to using an altitude tent is NSWIS runner James
30 // the edge // nswis.com.au
stORy CHRIs JONes
The converted motor home
is a component of the
Institute’s altitude arsenal
who did his own research before deciding to explore and use his
own altitude tent.
“I read a lot on the internet about other elite athletes using altitude tents
in distance running, and researched a few studies myself. I consulted Dr Philo
Saunders from the Australian Institute of Sport on a few issues before Nicole
Boegman from the NSWIS put me in touch with the sport science experts at
the NSWIS.
“They then helped me test the tent before I bought it and consulted with
my coach for periodising my use of the tent. I saw one advertised for what
was quite a reasonable price on the internet and I jumped at the chance
if it would give me the slightest advantage over my competitors,” said
Nipperess.
“I usually use it when building up for a competition and I think it has
helped; I’ve often raced well after having a block of sleeping in my tent.”
ATS has recently introduced a new product into its range, a portable pool
based tent for aquatic athletes. In a world first development, the portable
tent sits over two lanes of a 25 metre pool with a series of vents creating a
hypoxic environment to mimic conditions experienced at altitude.
“The tent was constructed because aquatic athletes didn’t have as many
altitude training options as athletes who compete on dry-land. With the
tent those athletes can now conduct their sport specific training, and we
also have a wider range of options if athletes are going to use the pool as a
recovery option,” said Graham.
The new pool based facility is one of the altitude facilities that the NSWIS is
employing in the pursuit of increased athletic performance; also available to
athletes at various times are portable tents and an RV home.
As Graham explains, the idea behind creating a variety of altitude training
options is so the Institute can provide a “suite of solutions” to athletes.
Whether it is swimmers, cyclists, runners or rowers, NSWIS athletes are
being given the opportunity to maximise their potential by training in
rarefied air.
“The altitude solutions we have in place allow NSWIS athletes to achieve
the benefits of altitude in their home environment. We are coming up with
a range of technologies that give us the flexibility to mix and match with
individual athletes to provide solutions tailored to them and their needs.”
The Institute’s altitude arsenal forms a key part of the preparation of
NSWIS athletes in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic
Games. The opportunity to access an altitude environment every day cannot
be understated. The altitude facilities on offer at the NSWIS give competitors
and coaches a competitive edge without leaving their home environment or
outlaying the expensive costs associated with overseas travel. n
The Institute’s world-first pool based altitude facility at the sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre