Dose-response modelling of total haemoglobin mass to hypoxic dose in elite speed skaters

The aim of the present study is the modelling of the total haemoglobin mass responses in altitude environment with the dose-response model in elite endurance athletes and comparison different existing approaches in the quantification of hypoxic dose.Data from seven healthy elite endurance athletes specialised in middle distance speed skating participated in the study: six males (24±1.8 years, 182 ±0.3 cm, 84 ±1.5 kg, BMI 23.2±0.6 kg/m2, 59.3±1.5 ml/kg/min) and one female (21 years, 164 cm, 56 kg, BMI 17.1 kg/m2, 59.9 ml/kg/min). Data were collected during a 3-month training period which included two training camps (14 +14 days) at sea level and two training camps (21+21 days) at altitude of 1224 m and 1850 m above sea level. Total haemoglobin mass (tHb-mass) were measured before the start of the season (baseline) and before and after each training camp (seven measurements) using an optimized CO-rebreathing method, training loads and oxygen saturation at altitude were measured and hypoxic dose were calculated.Mean total haemoglobin mass for the male group at the base line were 1067±83 g, before the training camp 1 were 1095±82 g, after TC1 1113±105 g, before the training camp 2 (TC2) 1107±88 g, after TC2 1138±104 g. For the female athlete at the base line were 570 g, after TC1 564 g, after TC2 582 g.The increase of tHb-mass after TC2 were 3,25% and were significant (p<0,005). Mean hypoxic dose for the male group TC1 were %·h (98%) 1078±157, %·h (95%) 79±57, and km.h 473±1 and at TC2 were %·h(98%) 1586±585, %·h (95%) 422±182, and km.h 893±18 and were different from TC1 (p<0,05) for %·h (95%) and km.h methods. For the female athlete hypoxic dose at TC1 were %·h (98%) 970, %·h (95%) 32, and km.h 470 and at TC2 were %·h(98%) 1587, %·h (95%) 289, and km.h 900.The relationship between hypoxic dose and haematological response was analysed with a non-linear model. The magnitude of the increase of the total haemoglobin mass were investigated using simulation procedures based upon individual responses to the hypoxic dose. We introduced a measurement error to the list square method as a way of avoiding overfitting problem. Dose-response mathematical model between hypoxic dose and total haemoglobin mass was developed. Modelled total haemoglobin mass was within measurement error range. This model is suitable for the computer simulations. The individual response to hypoxic dose due to model data was different. Maximal values in total haemoglobin mass that can be achieved by male athletes according to the model was 1321.9 ± 32 g. The model predicted that (τ) erythrocyte life span is 73.8 ± 9.0 days. Moreover, highest value of individual tHb-mass increase after returning to the sea level according to the model was16.3 ±0.7 days.The model developed in the current study describes the time course of total haemoglobin mass during altitude exposure and post-altitude decline in elite speed skaters.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text